Articles and Quotes
2010 - 2009 - 2008 - All previous
2010
The Telegraph on-line
26 July 2010
Quote
Counting the cost of following fund fashions
by Emma Wall
Fund managers just love to entice investors with newfangled funds. But are they fab or just a fad?
Citywire.co.uk
23 July 2010
Quote
The New Model Adviser® top 10 longest-serving IFAs
by Rob Griffin
"I genuinely enjoy helping people become financially independent, saving them tax and stopping them from being ripped off by cowboys.".....
Scotland on Sunday
18 July 2010
Article
Clients launch online fight against Towry
by Kirsty Dorsey
Carol McNicol, Financial Consultant, comments on Towry Law .....
The Scotsman
17 July 2010
Article
In low-interest era it might be time to go Dutch with savings
by Alan Steel
"This kind of fund is ideal for people in retirement looking for a decent income that rises year by year ......."
The Press and Journal
12 July 2010
Article
Budget Signals Chance to Plan your Finances for the Future
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, gives his thoughts on the recent Budget, future saving and investment.
ASAM
1 July 2010
Article
Scotland on Sunday
20 June 2010
Article
Hidden charges expose failures of FSA
by Alan Steel
"Look at the cost, which is coming out of your pocket, when buying financial products ....."
The Scotsman
19 June 2010
Article
Diverse investments make sense as firms' shares take a plunge
by Alan Steel
"It makes sense to invest in a diversified manner with investments managed by contrarian fund managers ....."
Money Marketing
10 June 2010
Quote
Stars playing for high stakes in Jupiter float
by Lee Jones, Hannah Stodell
Graeme Currie, Financial Consultant comments on the forthcoming Jupiter flotation .....
The Scotsman
7 June 2010
Quote
Even the top defensive stocks carry certain risks
by Bill Jamieson
"Alan is a champion of unconstrained funds........"
The Telegraph
5 June 2010
Quote
£50,000 Fantasy fund manager game kicks off
by Staff Reporter
Alan Steel was asked for some suggestions for the Fantasy Fund Manager Game being run by The Telegraph.
ASAM
4 June 2010
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - June 2010
by Alan Steel
"Investors should not lose sight of the big picture" advises Alan Steel
ASAM
3 June 2010
Article
Informing You - June 2010
by Steven Forbes
"Big is not always beautiful when it comes to shareholder value....."
Written for The Telegraph Fantasy Fund Management Competition
1 June 2010
Article
Fantasy Fund Management
by Alan Steel
"We believe the Commodity demand theme is intact and exploding middle classes in developing countries will increase demand for consumer services and products...."
The Sunday Herald
30 May 2010
Quote
Banks face a tough sell to customers as pressure for reform grows
by Simon Bain
Banks, and how they treat us are still firmly on the political agenda
Scotland on Sunday
30 May 2010
Quote
How to make the most of £100,000
by Teresa Hunter
"Investors have to seek alternatives to cash " says Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant.
The Scotsman
22 May 2010
Article
Leave the trackers behind and keep returns on course
by Alan Steel
"Be wise enough to recognise that trackers are flawed and be attracted instead to the skills of contrarian money managers..."
The Telegraph on-line
21 May 2010
Quote
ASAM & The Herald
12 May 2010
Article
Informing You - May 2010
by Steven Forbes
"Anyone investing for the long term should never worry about short term fluctuations ......."
The Telegraph on-line
10 May 2010
Quote
Can stock market rally last? Ask the man who predicted crash
by Ian Cowie
"Alan Steel expects two to three months of volatile up and down movements in stock markets .....
Scotland on Sunday
9 May 2010
Quote
How to protect yourself from the money meltdown ahead
by Teresa Hunter
"Alan Steel recommends investing abroad to protect yourself from the money meltdown ......"
The Scotsman
24 April 2010
Article
What Price a Reasonable Retirement?
by Alan Steel
"Get the best independent advice you can because in a couple of weeks valuable current rates of tax relief could be the next benefit to disappear."
ASAM
22 April 2010
Article
Informing You - April 2010
by Steven Forbes, Managing Director
"The next time you get the offer of a review from your bank remember whose interests they really have at heart."
The Telegraph on-line
19 April 2010
Quote
Trying to be Sensible
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, “I’m turning a bit bearish but my caution is short term.”
Business 7
9 April 2010
Quote
ASAM wins IFA Award
by the editor
Alan Steel, Chairman, said, "It is particularly gratifying to be recognised for our unrelenting focus and consistency in doing our very best for clients."
ASAM
8 April 2010
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - Easter 2010
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel gives his 10 point plan for successful investing ......
Linlithgow Gazette
2 April 2010
Quote
What an asset!
by Staff Reporter
The awards are a highly regarded benchmark in the industry and ASAM's success in 2010 adds to its already impressive record.
Pensions Management
30 March 2010
Article
Coming home to roost
by Steven Forbes
"If you are investing in the long term, whatever happens in the short term makes little difference."
The Press and Journal
29 March 2010
Article
UK savers urged to act before belts are tightened further
by Steven Forbes
"Forthcoming Budgets likely to be stronger on austerity measures," says Steven Forbes.
The Scotsman
27 March 2010
Article
Choosing shares over property can deliver money for nothing
by Alan Steel
"Why anyone in their right mind would ignore the merits of equity funds and pensions in these circumstances says much about who they listen to before making critical investment decisions."
The Herald
26 March 2010
Article
Business as usual? I thought the party was over
by Steven Forbes
"Steven Forbes believes the Budget revealed glimpses of what lies ahead ........."
ASAM
24 March 2010
Article
Informing You - March 2010
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, comments on Alistair Darling's Budget....
Financial Solutions
23 March 2010
Quote
What's in a name?
by Edward Murray
Holistic financial planning? "It is about sitting down and talking to somebody about their financial situation ..." says Alan Steel.
The Telegraph
20 March 2010
Quote
Advisers reveal the best homes for your spare cash
by Kara Gammell
"Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, tips M&G Global Basics and Invesco Perpetual Distribution ......"
CA Magazine
18 March 2010
Quote
Dealing with loss
by Ian Harper
"What is the cost of key person protection?" asks Fiona Middlemiss, Tax Specialist.
The Telegraph (edited version)
13 March 2010
Article
The so-called Global Meltdown and reasons to be tearful
by Alan Steel
"It might be a bumpy summer, but a more positive autumn and winter. "
The Times
13 March 2010
Quote
Investment masterclass: fight against your instinct to make a profit
by David Budworth
Alan Steel says "The contrarian would shun property investments and gilts in favour of equities ....."
Money Marketing
4 March 2010
Quote
FSA's Dewar warns of rising retail bond risk
by Hannah Stodell
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant says "I do not think the warning is strong enough."
Money Marketing
4 March 2010
Quote
Advisers braced for China correction
by Hannah Stodell
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant says "The China story is one where there could be big hits and misses"
Money Marketing
4 March 2010
Quote
Q&A with David Jane, Manager M&G Cautious Multi Asset Fund
by the Editor
"David Jane is regarded as a safe pair of hands by Alan Steel".....
The Press and Journal
2 March 2010
Article
Taking a wider world view could pay off for investors
by Steven Forbes
"Great deal of ignorance in UK of how other countries are performing"
The Scotsman (edited version)
27 February 2010
Article
Worry beads at the ready again
by Alan Steel
"After a crisis and then a remarkable recovery, the next phase for stockmarkets, can be a bit bumpy....."
The Herald
26 February 2010
Quote
Top-level earners brace for tax-rate increase
by Simon Bain
"Who would be a high earner in the UK?" asks Steve Forbes
ifaonline.co.uk
18 February 2010
Quote
Alan Steel Asset Management warns beef up pensions now
by Laura Miller
"Higher-rate tax payers should pile cash into their pensions this year ......"
ASAM
18 February 2010
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - February 2010
by Alan Steel
"Being contrarian is never popular, and it’s uncomfortable for much of the time, but it works."
ASAM
17 February 2010
Article
Informing You - Special February 2010
by Kathryn Morrison
"HM Revenue & Customs have issued a number of incorrect tax coding notices ....."
ASAM
16 February 2010
Article
Informing You - February 2010
by Steven Forbes
"It is worth looking at the World as a whole when choosing where to invest your money ....."
Linlithgow Gazette
12 February 2010
Article
European tour golfer is latest asset to sign up with Alan's team
by Iain Russell
Alan Steel Asset Management ties up deal to become Stephen Gallacher's main sponsor
Scotsman
9 February 2010
Article
Gallacher is a real Asset
by Martin Dempster
Alan Steel Asset Management is Stephen Gallacher’s Main Sponsor
Business 7
5 February 2010
Article
ASAM to benefit from golf deal
by The Networker
"Golfer Stephen Gallacher looks forward to a long-lasting relationship with Alan Steel Asset Management..."
CA Magazine
31 January 2010
Quote
The incredible shrinking tax relief
by Ian Harper
"New pension rules are a major blow for the future retirement plans of high income individuals ......."
The Scotsman
30 January 2010
Article
What comes around goes around as QE seems to pay off
by Alan Steel
"US GDP growth is likely to confound most investors."
Journal & Gazette
29 January 2010
Article
Pupils sum it all up
by Local Reporter
Alan Steel Asset Management sponsors local pupils.
ASAM
19 January 2010
Article
Informing You - January 2010
by Steven Forbes
".....the Government will be issuing record amounts of Gilts in the coming years ......"
MoneyMarketing
14 January 2010
Quote
Is it finally Japan's year?
by Hannah Stodell
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, remains cautious about Japan being the investment surprise of 2010.
The Scotsman
2 January 2010
Quote
Terrible financial year ends with hope of bright future
by Jeff Salway
Alan Steel says if you look behind the headlines, you will find good reason to believe that the surprises will continue.
2009
The Daily Telegraph
26 December 2009
Quote
Fund and share tips for 2010
by Kara Gammell
Alan Steel gives his tips for 2010.
ASAM
21 December 2009
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - Christmas 2009
by Alan Steel
"The future is bright as long as you follow the Three Wise Men and the Stars ...."
The Daily Telegraph
19 December 2009
Quote
What will next the 10 years hold for investors?
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel says, "The biggest lesson investors should learn is the herd is always wrong."
The Scotsman
19 December 2009
Article
There's an awful lot of coffee - and much else besides - in Brazil
by Alan Steel
"Investors could add a bit of sunshine to their returns by having more exposure to Latin America and Brazil in particular."
ASAM
18 December 2009
Article
FT Adviser Blog
18 December 2009
Article
Perceived wisdom or financial folly?
by Alan Steel
"There is nothing wrong with sticking to a simple set of simple rules when it comes to investing."
The Press and Journal
14 December 2009
Article
Should emerging markets be given a greater weighting?
by Steven Forbes
Spreading investment net into Far East economies could be way of reducing risk.
The Scotsman
1 December 2009
Quote
Britons stop buying and start repaying debt at a record rate
by Claire Smith
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said, "We are definitely saying to people they should get their house in order ....."
The Scotsman
24 November 2009
Quote
Lloyds banks on strong demand for rights issue
by Erikka Askeland
Alan Steel believes that Lloyds bank discounted shares would appeal to investors with a lot of patience .....
The Press and Journal
23 November 2009
Article
Don't get carried away with short-term market concerns
by Steven Forbes
Time, as billionaire Buffett says, is the key to investment success
The Sunday Times
22 November 2009
Quote
Be brave and buy the dollar
by Jennifer Hill
The dollar tumbled to a 15-month low against top currencies last Monday so it could be the time to snap it up
The Sunday Herald
22 November 2009
Quote
The Telegraph Online
21 November 2009
Quote
Can the stock market go any higher?
by Ian Cowie
Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, believes shares will rise, but there could be setbacks along the way ......
Written for The Scotsman
20 November 2009
Article
The long haul flight to quality returns
by Alan Steel
"Investors should invest with quality managers who invest in companies whose future prospects are correlated with global growth."
FT Adviser blog
20 November 2009
Article
44bn reasons to back the Buffett bull
by Alan Steel
"When will we accept that Mr Buffett is not a lucky gambler, but a skilful investor?"
ASAM
19 November 2009
Article
Informing You - November 2009
by Steven Forbes
... riding out market peaks and troughs and not tyring to guess market movements is still the sensible - and profitable - option...
Money Marketing
19 November 2009
Quote
F&C FoF chief plans property fund buys
by Hannah Stodell
Alan Adam says "......now is not a bad time to be looking at commercial property for diversification ....
The Sunday Herald
15 November 2009
Quote
Stock wagon keeps rolling on for now
by Simon Bain
ASAM seek out the cream of the market's managers ........
The Daily Telegraph
14 November 2009
Quote
DIY pensions' stealth fees revealed
by Nina Montagu-Smith
Steve Forbes, Managing Director, says, “This is a hidden charge.”
The Telegraph Online
6 November 2009
Article
Forty four billion reasons supporting the Bull market
by Alan Steel
"....continued scepticism amongst experts and ordinary investors, tells us to expect a continuing, worldwide, stockmarket recovery."
The Daily Telegraph
31 October 2009
Article
Reasons to be cheerful still beat resons to be fearful
by Alan Steel
"...If I was a UK investor, I'd be seeking to invest overseas...."
ASAM
29 October 2009
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - October/November 2009
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel thinks it would be helpful to give a few of Warren Buffett's quotes ....
ASAM
26 October 2009
Article
Informing You - October 2009
by Steve Forbes
"Let us try and imagine what it must be like through the "bailed out" bank chiefs' looking glass ..........."
Scotland on Sunday
25 October 2009
Article
History tells us Generation Y will come up with the goods
by Alan Steel
"Every crisis has birthed new entrepreneurial opportunities."
The Scotsman
24 October 2009
Article
It's a rollercoaster ride but patience pays off in long term
by Alan Steel
"While it may be comfortable to run with the herd, it is usually heading the wrong way."
Money Marketing
15 October 2009
Quote
Advisers call for absolute returns sector to be split
by Hannah Stodell
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, comments on the absolute returns sector.
Money Marketing
1 October 2009
Quote
Measure for measure
by Hannah Stodell
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, says, “There is a danger that the Government thinks regulation is the answer to everything.”
The Press & Journal
29 September 2009
Article
It's more important than ever to use all your tax allowances
by Steven Forbes
Hard times ahead as Government looks for ways of raising extra £15bn of revenue
The Scotsman
26 September 2009
Article
Bin the bumph with a fund supermarket
by Alan Steel
"If you’ve got a big suitcase filled with bewildering bumph from various investments, feeling confused, would like an easy life, now you know there’s an answer...."
ASAM
23 September 2009
Article
Informing You - September 2009
by Steven Forbes
"The cat is out of the bag...."
ASAM
3 September 2009
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - September 2009
by Alan Steel
"Statistics still show too little confidence and too much cash on the sidelines. And history tells us that’s probably good news."
Insider Magazine
1 September 2009
Quote
Precarious times for the nation's nest eggs
by Alistair McArthur
Colin MacPherson thinks companies are having to consider taking drastic action on pensions .......
The Press & Journal
31 August 2009
Article
Where's there a will, dealing with inheritance issues is much simpler.
by Steven Forbes
“Rules are quite complex and vary between different parts of the UK.”
The Sunday Telegraph
30 August 2009
Quote
The Bounce Back
by Paul Farrow
“We may get a wee correction in the autumn but I believe the rally will continue for the next 12 months,” says Alan Steel.
The Daily Telegraph
29 August 2009
Article
Ignore the doomsayers, the outlook is not that bad
by Alan Steel
“History confirms Bull markets always begin in the middle of the worst possible news.”
The Scotsman
29 August 2009
Article
India on the road to becoming financial world powerhouse
by Alan Steel
“Developing countries or emerging markets have represented a safer haven for investors.”
ASAM
27 August 2009
Article
Informing You - August 2009
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, explains the importance of having a Will.
The Firm Magazine
26 August 2009
Article
Will you, won't you?
by Steven Forbes
Recent stats have given Steven Forbes food for thought about the urgency of securing your testamentary intentions.
The Scotsman
22 August 2009
Quote
Some pensioners in drawdown plans are facing threat of irreparable losses
by Jeff Salway
"Drawdown investors would be ill-advised to pursue high octane investments," says Alan Steel.
MoneyMarketing
20 August 2009
Quote
FOS sounds alarm over bank advice
by Nicole Blackmore
Alan Steel's concerns that bank advisers were selling without properly explaining the risks were highlighted in March ..........
Scotland on Sunday
16 August 2009
Article
Man from Pru found me 70 years on
by Alan Steel
Long term investment is child's play .......
Response to question on moneyhelpdesk@scotlandonsunday.com
The Herald
15 August 2009
Article
Values
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel believes European Investment Bonds may provide a safe harbour ......
The Press and Journal
3 August 2009
Article
Chinese Consumer a force to be reckoned with for global investor
by Steve Forbes
"M&G's star fund manager has been backing rapid rise in emerging economies' middle classes...."
The Scotsman
1 August 2009
Article
Broccoli, Chocolate and the untrue things we all believe
by Alan Steel
“Be fearful when everybody is ecstatic and greedy when they’re pessimistic.”
ASAM
28 July 2009
Article
Informing You - July 2009
by Steven Forbes
"China has helped lead the recovery in global stockmarkets......"
FT Adviser blog
17 July 2009
Article
Golden Cross is a sign of better times to come
by Alan Steel
“One very positive sign has been the Golden Cross which has been seen or is due to happen in many markets.”
ASAM
16 July 2009
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - July 2009
by Alan Steel
“Is everything you believe to be true really so? .... “
The Scotsman
4 July 2009
Article
Labour is driving a stake into heart of pensions industry
by Alan Steel
“To encourage people to save, you must be consistent with rules and recognise their rights to benefit.”
ASAM
30 June 2009
Article
Informing You - June 2009
by Steven Forbes
"We believe investing in the stockmarket now, while it is at a low level, makes sense, but we are concerned that clients who would be best advised to invest into a pension are being prevented from doing so.... "
The Herald
27 June 2009
Quote
FSA plan to limit commission may fall on deaf ears
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel thinks the FSA's bid to outlaw commission won't work
FT Adviser blog
12 June 2009
Article
Markets soaring, but unemployment on the up
by Alan Steel
“I believe the cycle turned in February ….”
The Insider Magazine
12 June 2009
Quote
The Burning Question
by the editor
Alan Steel answers the Burning Question.
The Sunday Herald
7 June 2009
Quote
Soaring prices and green shoots
by Steven Vass
Alan Adam says the markets are probably telling us the next year will look better economically...
The Scotsman
6 June 2009
Article
Buffett feasts on lean stocks to confound his critics once more
by Alan Steel
“His view was that the extraordinary financial circumstances were an opportunity for the long-term investor.”
The Scotsman
6 June 2009
Quote
Fears over 'bubble' in corporate bonds
by Jeff Salway
Alan Steel thinks the corporate bond market shows all the hallmarks of a bubble waiting to burst.
The Scotsman
27 May 2009
Quote
Bullish investors are leading charge with hope of market rally
by Erikka Askeland
Alan Steel believes market is in the middle of a "monster rally".
The Press and Journal
25 May 2009
Article
MPs acting in their own interests when it comes to pension rules
by Steven Forbes
Commons members won exemption from the new 'lifetime allowance' as set out in 2004 Act.
The Daily Telegraph
23 May 2009
Article
Look on the bright side - even if the pessimists won't
by Alan Steel
"Leading economic indicators suggest blue skies ahead."
The Press & Journal
18 May 2009
Article
Herd mentality could leave many stuck in corporate-bond market
by Steven Forbes
“Corporate Bonds are not a like-for-like replacement for cash investments.”
ASAM
15 May 2009
Article
Informing You - May 2009
by Steven Forbes
"Our concerns have been forwarded to Alistair Darling and we have been asked to provide more details as to how this may have a negative effect on both the pensions industry and the public."
insider Magazine
11 May 2009
Quote
Smiling against adversity
by Alistair McArthur
Alan Steel believes bank CEOs should have banking qualifications ......
Scotland on Sunday
10 May 2009
Article
The Government has lost trust with pension changes
by Alan Steel
....this Government doesn't recognise rights or "legitimate expectations of benefit".....
The Sunday Times
10 May 2009
Quote
Big banks cash in on cautious savers
by Jennifer Hill
...bank staff are pushing products with the promise of high yields - with little mention of risks. Alan Steel said he had come across cases of HBOS "pulling clients in".....
The Sunday Times
10 May 2009
Quote
The best managers to spot a recovery
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel likes Tom Dobell, M&G Recovery .....
The Daily Telegraph
9 May 2009
Quote
Is this the start of a bull run or a fool's rally?
by Emma Wall
Steven Forbes believes that the bull rally has begun ......
The Scotsman
9 May 2009
Article
Future of Equities not as bleak as financial pessimists make out
by Alan Steel
"According to a study of bear markets since 1900, the average recovery time is just over two years ......"
The Daily Telegraph
4 May 2009
Quote
Is there a bull market around the corner?
by Paul Farrow
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, is convinced we are at the start of a bull market.”
Scotland on Sunday
3 May 2009
Quote
Savers left without profits
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel maintains insurance savings plans have little validity today.
The Scotsman
2 May 2009
Quote
Playing with fire can be a calculated risk for investors
by Edward Murray
Alan Steel says "....forward P/E ratios are not worth the paper they are written on...."
ASAM
29 April 2009
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - April 2009
by Alan Steel
“Good news you don’t see in the media.”
The Press and Journal
27 April 2009
Article
Back to the future for UK taxpayer as 'Doc' Darling announces changes
by Steven Forbes
"Savers urged to use existing allowances fully to make the most of their money."
ASAM
23 April 2009
Article
Informing You - Budget Update
by Steven Forbes
“A tax regime from the 1970s is reintroduced in the Budget.”
FT Adviser blog
17 April 2009
Article
Green shoots? No, this is a flourishing nursery.
by Alan Steel
“These are all signs of a healing economy….”
ASAM
16 April 2009
Article
Informing You - April 2009
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, gives his Budget forecast.
The Scotsman
11 April 2009
Quote
Smart Money
by Jeff Salway
Alan Steel points out investors who pulled everything out of the US when markets nosedived have missed out.....
The Scotsman
4 April 2009
Article
Yes it's been bad - so be ready for a great market opportunity
by Alan Steel
'Myopic loss aversion' means some might miss out on the rally.
ASAM
30 March 2009
Article
Informing You - Update
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes gives advice to account holders with the Dunfermline Building Society.
The Sunday Times
29 March 2009
Quote
Last chance tips to beat the taxman
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel talks about the lifetime allowance.
The Scotsman
28 March 2009
Quote
Now is the time to invest in a pension
by Edward Murray
Alan Steel believes now is a good time to enter the stockmarket.
The Independent
28 March 2009
Quote
Drugs are on a high, but will it last?
by James Daley
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said, “We would advise people against investing in specialist funds.”
Money Marketing
26 March 2009
Quote
Fears for bank bond fund bias
by Helen Pow
Alan Steel says the sale of corporate bond funds by tied bank advisers could create a misselling scandal.
The Press and Journal
23 March 2009
Article
Now may be a good time to join the queue for bargains
by Steven Forbes
"For a medium to long-term investor, now could be the perfect time to invest in the stock market."
The Scotsman
21 March 2009
Quote
Pension pot is worth protecting
by Jeff Salway
Alan Steel said, "Someone with a fund of around £600,000 to £700,000 should think about registering for protection. It costs nothing."
FT Adviser blog
20 March 2009
Article
New era of fierce and fulsome regulation?
by Alan Steel
“The FSA has failed to stamp out the most blatant and common place abuses in the market and yet it asks us to trust it time and again.”
ASAM
20 March 2009
Article
Informing You - March 2009
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes says, "Now is the perfect time to invest in the stockmarket."
Daily Telegraph
14 March 2009
Quote
Economic Update - Easter 2009
by Jim White
Advice you can bank on. Jim White imagines a problem page for stressed billionaires, bankers and experts
The Independent
14 March 2009
Quote
Will the US lead a global recovery?
by James Daley
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, says the best way to get exposure is to drip your money in on a monthly basis.
The Sunday Herald
8 March 2009
Quote
Stockmarket ISAs promise returns for risk takers
by Naomi Caine
Alan Steel is enthusiastic about equities.
The Scotsman
7 March 2009
Article
Let history be your guide
by Alan Steel
“History shows the worst thing you can do is pile in with the herd into the latest obvious answer”
Sunday Herald
1 March 2009
Quote
Lloyds raids cash from Widows
by Kenny Kemp
Alan Steel said, "Anybody who buys a financial product from a bank needs their head examined.”
CA Magazine
1 March 2009
Quote
Exchange rates a bit of a burger
by the editor
Alan Steel says, “Using the Big Mac Index you can often make a whopper of a currency gain!”
ASAM
24 February 2009
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - February 2009
by Alan Steel
“I’d like to share some reasons to be cheerful.”
The Press & Journal
23 February 2009
Article
Inflation likely to wipe out savers' meagre gains
by Steve Forbes
Steve Forbes gives his view on the economic impact over the next few years.
The Independent
21 February 2009
Quote
Spread the risk for steady returns
by James Daley
Alan Steel believes multi-asset funds have been relatively disappointing so far but concedes there are some notable exceptions.
The Telegraph
21 February 2009
Article
Beware the prophets of doom - the numbers don't stack up
by Alan Steel
“There are plenty of reasons to be cheerful.”
ASAM
16 February 2009
Article
Informing You - February 2009
by Steven Forbes
"So where should anyone with large sums of cash on deposit look to achieve a better return?"
The Scotsman
14 February 2009
Article
All signs point to a speedy recovery
by Steven Wilson
Steve Wilson correctly predicted a stronger Dollar and a drop in oil prices from their $145 peak.
The Scotsman
14 February 2009
Quote
Keeping the Taxman's hands off your nest egg
by Edward Murray
Graeme Currie says, "Working as a team is always more effective."
FT Adviser blog
13 February 2009
Article
Service with a crocodile's smile: Alan Steel
by Alan Steel
“This is a world away from the made-to-measure service clients thought they were buying into.”
The Sunday Times
8 February 2009
Quote
Solve today's crisis first, not the future's
by John Penman
Alan Steel said, “Analysis suggests we might be near the bottom of the cycle.”
The Scotsman
7 February 2009
Article
Coppock says it's about time the gloom lifted
by Alan Steel
“As the business news gets even darker, investor sentiment numbers are turning increasingly positive.”
The Scotsman
2 February 2009
Article
Heads should roll, and not just in boardrooms.
by Alan Steel
“This problem goes to the very top of regulators, the Bank of England, and indeed this Government.”
The Sunday Times
1 February 2009
Quote
Top tips for saving in a slump
by Elizabeth Colman and Ali Hussain
Alan Steel gives some tips on US Equities.
The Scotsman
26 January 2009
Quote
Grim - but renewal must be allowed to run its course
by Bill Jamieson
Alan Steel drew attention to the work of American financial psychologist Jason Zweig
The Independent
24 January 2009
Quote
Emerging markets are down but not yet out
by James Daley
Alan Steel said, “Emerging markets are for the brave, but I'd argue they present a far better opportunity than the UK at the moment.”
The Firm
21 January 2009
Quote
"Criminal" failure at RBS
by the editor
Steven Forbes said, “RBS may have been criminal in pushing staff to take up their rights issue knowing they were in financial difficulties.”
ASAM
20 January 2009
Article
Informing You - January 2009
by Steven Forbes
"What does 2009 hold? My guess is that it may well be a pleasant surprise."
Scotland on Sunday
18 January 2009
Article
The Flipside of the Coin
by Alan Steel
“It should be remembered economists have elbows and rear ends that are interchangeable.”
The Herald
11 January 2009
Quote
Investment opportunities do exist. You just need to know where to look
by Naomi Caine
Alan Steel says, "Probability points to 2009 being a strong up-year for markets, no matter what happens to the economy."
The Scotsman
10 January 2009
Article
Get in at the ground floor and you could be in for a big ride upwards.
by Alan Steel
“Stockmarkets worldwide are as cheap as at any time since 1990, in some cases 1974.”
FT Adviser blog
9 January 2009
Article
Relationship between regulators and those they oversee
by Alan Steel
"Why do governments appoint regulators to oversee the safe care of other people’s money? I don’t mean why do they do it. I mean, why do they bother?"
The Sunday Herald
4 January 2009
Quote
2009: taking chances in a cut-price economy
by Naomi Caine
Alan Steel predicts a new bull market is just around the corner and now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The Daily Telegraph
3 January 2009
Quote
It's time to gaze into the crystal ball
by Emma Wall
Alan Steel gives his tips for 2009.
The Scotsman
3 January 2009
Quote
Another year of depression or are there grounds for optimism?
by Jeff Salway
Alan Steel says “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy stockmarket assets at massive discounts.”
CA Magazine
1 January 2009
Quote
Clipping Hedge Funds
by Ian Harper
Graeme Currie says "Hedge Funds can make money in a falling Market"
CA Magazine
1 January 2009
Quote
Guarding your assets
by Robert Outram
Alan Steel answers questions on the current financial turmoil.
2008
The Sunday Herald
28 December 2008
Quote
The year the banks broke
by Ian Fraser
Alan Steel said, "As far as I'm concerned the UK regulators have been utterly useless."
Genesis Asset Management
22 December 2008
Article
Don't Get Too Lost
by Mike Williams
Alan Steel’s recommended reading for 2009 - a message from our friend Mike Williams in New York quoting Logie Cassells in Nova Scotia.
The Herald
19 December 2008
Quote
Zero Interest Rates May Be Too High A Price to Pay
by Marianne Taylor
Alan Steel says, "Eventually rates will go up."
ASAM
18 December 2008
Article
Informing You - December 2008
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes reflects on 2008 and believes now is a time to look forward.
The Scotsman
16 December 2008
Quote
Investors show faith in shares
by Jeff Salway
Alan Steel said that investment growth prospects are strongest outside the UK.
The Scotsman
13 December 2008
Quote
Where To Now For A Man With A Stellar History?
by Erikka Askeland
Alan Steel said, “If he has a flaw I think he was blinded by his desire to beat Jupiter”
The Daily Telegraph
12 December 2008
Quote
Justice for pensioners: Savings income for pensioners
by Rosie-Murray West
Alan Steel offers some tips.
The Scotsman
6 December 2008
Article
Why I wish economists a merrier Christmas
by Alan Steel
“There’s actually a lot of good news if you were to look at numbers and statistics from a slightly different perspective.”
The Scotsman
6 December 2008
Quote
Experts calling for calm over New Star
by Jeff Salway
Alan Steel said, “As long as they retain their best fund managers New Star will do fine.”
ASAM
1 December 2008
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - December 2008
by Alan Steel
"The good news is it increasingly looks likely the US economic engine, having been retuned, and redesigned, is no longer mis-firing."
The Sunday Telegraph
30 November 2008
Article
Bulldog markets
by Alan Steel
“This is the best time to invest in shares since 1974.”
Sunday Times
23 November 2008
Quote
Insurers cash in on deflation fears
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, “It’s clear people are being had.”
ASAM
21 November 2008
Article
Informing You - November 2008
by Steven Forbes
"Possible Pension Changes in the Autumn Statement"
Scotsman
8 November 2008
Article
A little maths can go a long way as brains play tricks
by Alan Steel
“Stop accepting the consensus view that all is good or all is bad. Learn the difference between numbers and percentages.”
Scotland on Sunday
2 November 2008
Article
Doom and gloom is only one side of the economic story
by Alan Steel
“J K Galbraith reminded us in economics the majority is always wrong.”
Independent
1 November 2008
Quote
Is it time to give up on equities?
by James Daley
Alan Steel said, “The global boom is not over.”
The Herald
1 November 2008
Quote
Commission clampdown poser for City Watchdog
by Simon Bain
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, said his firm had always set a maximum 3% on commissions for bonds or unit trusts.
ASAM
28 October 2008
Article
Informing You - Update
by Steven Forbes
"The upshot - we still firmly believe the patient investor will be rewarded."
Scotsman
25 October 2008
Quote
Protection and hand-holding are key roles for all IFAs now
by Jeff Salway
Steven Wilson said, “We believe there is incredible value in the market now, but as sentiment is poor this has not been reflected in share prices as yet.”
Sunday Times
19 October 2008
Quote
How to burn a profit by playing the cycle
by Stephen Spurden
Alan Steel has increased his exposure to the US.
Sunday Herald
19 October 2008
Quote
The man who knows too much?
by Steven Vass
Alan Steel said, "Journalists like Peston should be held accountable."
ASAM
17 October 2008
Article
Informing You - Update
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, refers to this article, written by Simon Jenkins, in The Guardian, 22 October 2008 as “wise words”.
Insider
14 October 2008
Quote
Sheltering from the storm
by Lesley Campbell
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, said, “The patient investor can take advantage of the negativity at times like these.”
Scotsman
11 October 2008
Article
Fat-cat bankers are not the only ones to blame for crisis
by Alan Steel
“Providing debt to those unable to service it is like throwing an anvil to a drowning man.”
Daily Telegraph
11 October 2008
Article
A bull market is around the corner
by Alan Steel
"Keep your eye on lighthouses and not the fog."
ASAM
10 October 2008
Article
Informing You - Update
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, reminds us of Sir John Templeton's words.
ASAM
8 October 2008
Article
Banks - Update
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, advises what to do if you have cash with ING.
Sunday Times
5 October 2008
Quote
How the experts thrive in a crash
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel tells what he is doing with his money in this crisis.
Scotland on Sunday
5 October 2008
Quote
After a week that saw the world's financial systems teeter on the brink... How bad can it get?
by Dani Garavelli
Alan Steel tells what the world’s richest man, Warren Buffett, was doing while the US bail-out was being discussed.
ASAM
3 October 2008
Article
Informing You - October 2008
by Alan Steel
“We promise to keep you informed of important information like this ignored by much of the media.”
CA Magazine
2 October 2008
Quote
Game for Growth
by Ian Harper
Graeme Currie, Director, talks about alternative investments.
The Herald
1 October 2008
Quote
Investors seek alternative ‘safe havens’
by Alison Campsie and Chris Watt
Alan Steel said, “If you are looking to invest in something look at what Warren Buffett is doing.”
Scotsman
20 September 2008
Quote
Markets mayhem causes more than a little difficulty for IFAs
by Jeff Salway
Steve Wilson said, “With the current volatility comes opportunities and, as a result, we have increased our exposure to the US as we believe this to be very undervalued for the long term.”
ASAM
18 September 2008
Article
HBoS Crisis Update
by Steven Forbes
Our views on the handling of the HBoS takeover.
The Herald
17 September 2008
Quote
Banks here are shaken....but experts say savings are safe
by Damien Henderson
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said, “We are a long way from a Northern Rock or Lehman Brothers situation.”
The Herald
16 September 2008
Quote
4500 UK staff face uncertain future as failed US bank Lehman Brothers closes doors
by William Tinning
Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, said “It’s a case of America sneezes and the UK catches a cold.”
Scottish Television
16 September 2008
Television
Share slump hits Scottish business
by David Cowan, Scotland Today's Chief Reporter
Graeme Currie, Director said, “Too many people are going to home in on the negatives. But people shouldn’t panic.”
Scotsman
13 September 2008
Article
The good news is that we always get over the bad news
by Alan Steel
“Remember, we made it through all the other crises and we’ll make it through this one too.”
Standard Life Magazine
12 September 2008
Quote
Nine killer strategies of smart money makers
by the editor
Alan Steel said, “Follow money, rather than headlines.”
The Scotsman
10 September 2008
Article
Exciting opportunities await but proceed with caution
by Graeme Currie
“The current Chinese regime has demonstrated a remarkable flexibility over the last decade.”
The Independent
6 September 2008
Quote
Burgernomics: Why the price of a Big Mac may hold the key to better investment returns
by James Daley
Alan Steel says this is a great time for investors to buy into US mutual funds.
ASAM
4 September 2008
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - September 2008
by Alan Steel
"Please pay little attention to politicians if you can."
CA Magazine
1 September 2008
Quote
ASAM
1 September 2008
Article
Informing You - September 2008
by Steven Forbes
"It will be rewarding for those who stick with it and ignore the hyperbole."
The Independent
30 August 2008
Quote
Where to find winners when markets are slumping and recession looms
by James Daley
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, believes equity income funds present some of the best opportunities for playing the recovery.
Business7
29 August 2008
Quote
Break the borrowing habit - ditch debt and start saving
by Lesley Campbell
Alan Steel has some simple advice for anyone looking for an IFA.
Daily Telegraph
23 August 2008
Quote
Should you pick 'n' mix your shares as the big names flounder?
by Kara Gammell
Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, suggests funds which have potential.
Sunday Times
17 August 2008
Quote
Is it time to back America again?
by Jennifer Hill and Kathryn Cooper
Alan Steel said, "This is the start of a major move."
Scotsman
16 August 2008
Article
This windscreen is the prescription for future success
by Alan Steel
“A two-headed monster set to destroy our finances on an unprecedented scale.”
Scotsman
9 August 2008
Quote
Keep your retirement plans well on track
by Jeff Salway
Given the prevailing markets, Alan Steel suggests what to do with your pension pot if you are due to retire.
CA Magazine
4 August 2008
Article
Blow the economic myths
by Alan Steel
“Unfortunately, much of the information we blindly accept does not stand up to scrutiny.”
Daily Telegraph
2 August 2008
Quote
Investing in China
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel has researched Olympic host countries’ stockmarkets.
ASAM
1 August 2008
Article
Informing You - August 2008
by Steven Forbes
"I believe that regulation of this part of the industry is long overdue."
Moneywise
21 July 2008
Quote
Why are Britain’s biggest funds sinking?
by Sonia Speedy
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, tells what the current markets mean for existing and new investors.
Scotsman
19 July 2008
Article
Listen to reason when emotion is running the markets dry
by Alan Steel
“Keep an open mind. Try to be flexible, open minded and sceptical.”
Sir John Templeton
Scotsman
19 July 2008
Quote
IFA of the Year competitors hoping downturn in a bid to turn a profit
by Bill Jamieson
Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, said, "In times like this, it's best to be disciplined."
ASAM
14 July 2008
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - July 2008
by Alan Steel
"Never make investment decisions based on emotion."
Sunday Telegraph
13 July 2008
Quote
Credit crisis roars FTSE 100 into a bear market
by Harry Wallop
Alan Steel said, “These things come in cycles and bear markets don't last nearly as long as bull markets.”
Scotsman
12 July 2008
Quote
Where is the best place to put your cash?
by Jeff Salway
Alan Steel is a great believer in the North America story.
ASAM
1 July 2008
Article
Informing You - July 2008
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes looks at matters making headlines just now.
Fund Strategy
30 June 2008
Quote
Ship comes in
by Simon Hildrey
Alan Steel says it is not necessary for UK investors to go offshore.
Daily Telegraph
21 June 2008
Article
There is a positive US story hidden amid the pessimistic views
by Alan Steel
“Erroneous negative news is blurring the facts.”
Scotsman
21 June 2008
Article
Jargon is a barrier to clear understanding of the poor state our pensions are in
by Alan Steel
"With investments, you only discover you've bought a pup when it's too late to correct the error."
ASAM
12 June 2008
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - June 2008
by Alan Steel
"Here's a little bit of magic."
Daily Telegraph
7 June 2008
Quote
Time to look at the rising sun again
by Nina Montagu-Smith
Alan Steel gives his choice of Japanese fund.
Linlithgow Journal & Gazette
6 June 2008
Quote
Businessman hands over cash to help town’s tourism development group
by Irene McKinnon
Alan Steel said, “It’s nice to help local people and it’s a good thing for the local economy.”
Scotsman
2 June 2008
Quote
Oh dear, mind your eye, here comes Mr Cheerful
by Bill Jamieson
Mike Williams, an American stock-market guru and guest of Alan Steel, believes we have all been blinded by the black pessimism of newspaper headline writers.
ASAM
2 June 2008
Article
ASAM
30 May 2008
Article
Stockmarket Update - Icebergs in the Fog
by Alan Steel
“Things that should be obvious sometimes don’t appear so.”
Citywire
28 May 2008
Article
Contrarian investor Mike Williams is the new manager of the Richmond Core Fund
by Dylan Lobo
Alan Steel said, “There was a meeting of minds between Mike and ourselves.”
Scotsman
24 May 2008
Article
Relax, smile ... you too can kick the global fear addiction
by Alan Steel
"We've become addicted to fear."
Moneywise
23 May 2008
Quote
A hands-on way to grow your pension pot
by Nina Montagu-Smith
Alan Steel warns it is wise not to get carried away with your SIPP.
Scotsman
17 May 2008
Quote
Weathering the financial storm proves acid test
by Bill Jamieson
A close second is Steve Wilson of Alan Steel Asset Management showing a 4.3% gain to £313,030.
Daily Telegraph
16 May 2008
Quote
Investment growth opportunities: time to take advantage of low asset prices
by Myra Butterworth
Alan Steel says, "Lessons from history tell us that one of the best times to buy is after a correction."
Scotsman
10 May 2008
Quote
Commercial Property - is it time to jump back in?
by Jeff Salway
Alan Steel believes there is a lot of investment cash waiting to get back into commercial property.
Scotland on Sunday
4 May 2008
Article
Ignore the herd's fear: there is no global recession
by Alan Steel
“The retail figures are so seriously flawed there’s no point in using them.”
Scotland on Sunday
4 May 2008
Quote
Changing the name of the game
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “The change will confuse clients and gives advisers yet another thing to explain.”
Linlithgow Gazette
2 May 2008
Article
A wealth of advice is waiting
by the editor
ASAM believes in old-fashioned service values and clients’ needs come first.
ASAM
1 May 2008
Article
ASAM
28 April 2008
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - April 2008
by Alan Steel
"It's wise to challenge commonly held assumptions."
Scotsman
26 April 2008
Article
Be on your guard - sensible people can easily be sucked in, and at great cost
by Alan Steel
“When he decided to cash in, the nice man had disappeared.”
Citywire
22 April 2008
Quote
Lombard offshore bond beats trusts in preserving wealth, Steel says.
by Michelle McGagh
ASAM is taking advantage of an offshore bond that beats expensive trusts as a way to preserve wealth across generations.
Citywire
22 April 2008
Quote
Gift bonds give trusts a run for their money
by Michelle McGagh
Alan Steel found a bond that knocks the need for trusts on the head.
Scotsman
19 April 2008
Quote
Volatile markets make life a little difficult for our IFAs
by Rosemary Gallagher
Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, said, “The first thing to remember is this is not a ten-week competition, nor was our strategy.”
The Herald
19 April 2008
Article
Question and Answer
by the editor
Alan Steel answers a reader’s question.
Scotland on Sunday
6 April 2008
Quote
Endowments still maturing with profits for a lucky few
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Steel said, “For as long as I have been in business there have been economic downturns.”
Daily Telegraph
5 April 2008
Quote
Grab a slice of blue-chip American pie
by Myra Butterworth
Alan Steel is recommending a "once in a blue moon opportunity" to his clients.
Weekly Telegraph
2 April 2008
Quote
Budget 'climbdown' welcomed by analysts
by the editor
Fiona Middlemiss, Technical Services Manager, comments on non-domicile residency and Off-shore Bonds.
ASAM
1 April 2008
Article
Informing You - April 2008
by Steven Forbes
"No previous Chancellor was as adept at hiding ways of raising tax."
Scotsman
29 March 2008
Article
You musn't stay in the harbour for long
by Alan Steel
“Value style investment managers right now are like bairns in a sweetie shop.”
Daily Telegraph
29 March 2008
Quote
Family's fortunes could well depend on bearing the risk from the outset
by Nina Montagu-Smith
Alan Steel said, “With an income fund, you can get excellent performance as you are reinvesting the dividends.”
Financial Times
27 March 2008
Quote
Equities: building with BRICs
by Matthew Vincent
Graeme Currie, Director, said, "The question now is how much steam is left in them?"
Sunday Herald
23 March 2008
Quote
Keep your head in times of market trouble
by Naomi Caine
Alan Steel said, “The fall in the markets gives investors a remarkable buying opportunity.”
Scotland on Sunday
23 March 2008
Quote
Is ISA tax break worth the risk?
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said, “Investor logic for staying out makes no sense at all.”
Daily Telegraph
22 March 2008
Article
Economic crisis? Depends which way you describe it
by Alan Steel
“Evidence is mounting suggesting US Dollar strength to be the next surprise.”
Scotsman
22 March 2008
Article
All that glitters ...
by Alan Steel
“Two years from now, it will be interesting to see how well US large cap shares have done, seeing as nobody wants them.”
Sunday Telegraph
16 March 2008
Quote
Set sail for the swashbuckling ISAs
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel has suggestions for the gung-ho investor
Scotsman
15 March 2008
Quote
Prize Asset
by the editor
ASAM UK Top 3 and Top Scottish Best Investment IFA.
Scotsman
15 March 2008
Quote
Top advice key as choices get harder
by the editor
Steve Wilson decided to take more exposure to emerging markets and the US as he feels both these areas are under valued.
ASAM
12 March 2008
Article
Stockmarket Update
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel, Chairman, e-mailed clients advising all evidence supports our belief this is a correction in an ongoing bull market.
Sunday Telegraph
9 March 2008
Quote
The Best ISAs for Mr Average
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel gives his "steady eddie" choices.
Glasgow Herald
8 March 2008
Quote
Question and Answer
by the editor
Alan Steel answers a reader’s question
Scotsman
4 March 2008
Quote
Government advice service attacked by financial industry
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “Why spend millions to set up the service when we already have Citizens’ Advice Bureau?”
ASAM
3 March 2008
Article
Sunday Telegraph
2 March 2008
Quote
Ideal ISAs for nervous Investors
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel suggests ISAs for cautious investors.
Scotsman
1 March 2008
Article
For sophisticated, read expensive for SIPPs packages
by Colin MacPherson
“Suspicion remains that the current popularity of SIPPs has more to do with the marketing imperatives of some of the biggest players in the business.”
ASAM
26 February 2008
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - February 2008
by Alan Steel
"Thank goodness for the generations of optimists who bring us through these times."
Scotland on Sunday
24 February 2008
Article
The perfect investment? Absolutely not.
by Alan Steel
“When very smart people in the investment industry invent products few people understand, don’t go there.”
Scotsman
23 February 2008
Article
Good News for Investors - Poor ISA Season Tipped
by Alan Steel
“It’s time for private investors to pay attention. This is not time for caution.”
Daily Telegraph
23 February 2008
Quote
Health funds can inoculate against virus of recession
by Nina Montagu-Smith
Alan Steel chooses a more generalist fund.
Linlithgow Gazette
22 February 2008
Quote
Marquee ceilidh raises more than £6000 for fund
by the editor
Alan Steel Asset Management was main sponsor of fund raising ceilidh.
Sunday Times
10 February 2008
Quote
Ten hidden gems for your ISA fund this year
by David Budworth
Alan Steel suggests investors steer clear of Japan.
Insider Magazine
8 February 2008
Quote
The burning question
by the editor
Alan Steel says, in all probability, there will not be a recession.
CA Magazine
8 February 2008
Quote
Does it pay to go off-shore?
by Ian Harper
Alan Steel comments on the continuing use of Off-shore Bonds.
Financial Solutions
4 February 2008
Article
Daily Telegraph
2 February 2008
Quote
A double chance of rich rewards
by Kara Gammell
Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, said “Yields from Income Funds look extremely attractive and the sector should bounce back in 2008.”
ASAM
1 February 2008
Article
Informing You - February 2008
by Steven Forbes
"Warren Buffett says, 'Optimism is the enemy of the rational buyer.'"
Daily Telegraph
30 January 2008
Quote
ISA Ideas
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel gives his ISA ideas for various classes of investor.
Scotland on Sunday
27 January 2008
Quote
Shelter savings from the storms
by Teresa Hunter
Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, said the crucial thing when going back into the market is to choose a well-run fund with a good track record.
Scotsman
26 January 2008
Article
Beware of the bogeymen's tall tales
by Alan Steel
“Forecasts of economic doom and gloom are often based on a biased interpretation of facts.”
Daily Telegraph
25 January 2008
Quote
A less taxing way of saving in these roller-coaster markets
by Teresa Hunter
Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, chooses a low risk approach.
Scotsman
19 January 2008
Quote
Property funds fear rush for the exit doors
by Rosemary Gallagher
David Scott, Financial Consultant, was astonished that the move by Scottish Equitable is being compared to Northern Rock.
Scotsman
19 January 2008
Quote
Scotsman IFA of the Year Competition 2008
by Rosemary Gallagher
Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, sees the real opportunities over the next 12 months coming from overseas markets.
ASAM
18 January 2008
Article
Stockmarket update
by Steven Forbes
Steven Forbes, Managing Director, e-mailed clients explaining why it is not a time to panic.
Daily Telegraph
12 January 2008
Quote
Greetings from emerging markets
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel said, “History tells us any sharp stockmarket falls are likely to be short-term knee jerk reactions.”
Scotsman
8 January 2008
Quote
Scots funds rank high in top performers of 2007
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “This year, areas such as Latin America and China should continue to do well, especially China.”
Sunday Telegraph
6 January 2008
Quote
How to avoid drowning in a sea of debt
by Myra Butterworth
Alan Steel said, “The quickest way to double your money is to take the notes out of your wallet, fold them in half, and put them back!”
Sunday Times
6 January 2008
Quote
Sunday Times
6 January 2008
Quote
No 1 again – 41% profit in 5 months!
by David Budworth
Alan Steel is the winner.
Sunday Telegraph
6 January 2008
Quote
Are rising prices a golden opportunity?
by Myra Butterworth
Alan Steel said, “Private investors sentiment is showing excessively high optimistic levels, a strong sell signal.”
CA Magazine
3 January 2008
Article
Fall in with the best predictions
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel finds some interesting indicators to follow for stockmarket investment success in 2008.
ASAM
3 January 2008
Article
Glasgow Herald
1 January 2008
Quote
2007
Scotsman
29 December 2007
Quote
Launch of The Scotsman IFA of the Year 2008 Competition
by Rosemary Gallagher
Included in ten of the best prepared to do battle for the IFA of the year title is Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant
Scotsman
29 December 2007
Quote
2008 could see interesting times
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, "Next year should see a strengthening of the US dollar and good gains in US and emerging market funds."
Daily Telegraph
29 December 2007
Quote
Daily Telegraph
29 December 2007
Article
Sunday Telegraph
23 December 2007
Quote
Investors get final say over Equitable
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said, “The worst that can happen to these poor souls is that there is no change in performance, and the takeover makes no difference.”
Professional Adviser
20 December 2007
Quote
Hot Shots
by David Carr
Mark Thomas of River & Merchantile reckons ASAM is a great business and provides great guys on the golf course too.
Scotsman
20 December 2007
Quote
Invesco knocks rival Fidelity off top spot
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “There have been some difficulties with the analysts at Fidelity for the last couple of years.”
ASAM
13 December 2007
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - December 2007
by Alan Steel
“The global boom continues despite experts' worst predictions.”
Scotsman
8 December 2007
Article
It’s time to start believing in a happy new year
by Alan Steel
“Contrary to gloom merchants’ predictions, shoppers are flooding our streets and Christmas will be a retail bonanza.”
ASAM
3 December 2007
Article
Informing You - December 2007
by Alan Steel
"Alan Steel tells of some gems collected over the years."
CA Magazine
1 December 2007
Quote
Happily ever after
by Ian Harper
Colin MacPherson, Technical Consultant, said, “As retirement approaches, it is imperative to protect the purchasing power of a pension by moving into lower risk vehicles.”
Citywire
28 November 2007
Quote
Hold or Fold – Jupiter UK Growth vs Rensburg UK Select Growth
by Tim Cooper
Steve Wilson, Financial Consultant, says whether to ‘hold or fold’.
Glasgow Herald
24 November 2007
Quote
Personal Finance – Questions and Answers
by the editor
Colin MacPherson, Pensions Manager, answers a reader’s question.
BBC Radio Scotland
23 November 2007
Quote
Steve Forbes on the strength of the Dollar
by Fred MacAulay
Steve Forbes said, “A weak currency is actually quite good for an economy and it has certainly helped the US.”
Investment Week
21 November 2007
Article
Logie Cassells joins Alan Steel
by the editor
Logie Cassells has joined Alan Steel Asset Management as Investment Strategist.
Scotsman
16 November 2007
Article
On the contrary, there are grounds for economic optimism
by Bill Jamieson
"It’s refreshing when a US commentator dares to point out that worse crises than this have passed."
Glasgow Herald
14 November 2007
Article
Fear over sub-prime mortgage debt is 'beyond lunacy' says leading US analyst.
by Simon Bain
Mike Williams, one of New York’s leading analysts and guest of Alan Steel, said, “The sub-prime fear stalking the markets is so overblown it is beyond lunacy.”
Scotsman
10 November 2007
Article
Was it all just a dream?
by Fiona Middlemiss
“Take the longer view on what you want to achieve and lay the financial foundations to achieve it.”
Scotsman
3 November 2007
Article
Principles mean nothing if profit is all
by Alan Steel
“Recycling current legislation will not improve protection to savers and investors."
Daily Telegraph
3 November 2007
Quote
America on the cheap: how to profit from the weak dollar
by Myra Butterworth
Alan Steel said, “Traditionally, when sentiment on the dollar is weak, that is when most people are pessimistic about it and it tends to be a time to buy."
ASAM
2 November 2007
Article
Daily Telegraph
20 October 2007
Quote
Investing in China
by Kara Gammell
Alan Steel gives his opinion on profiting from China’s success.
Linlithgow Journal & Gazette
19 October 2007
Quote
Carriden Band Concert
by the editor
This year’s concert has been sponsored by Alan Steel Asset Management.
ASAM
19 October 2007
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - October 2007
by Alan Steel
"When everybody knows, you are looking in the wrong direction. 'Everybody knows' is a decoy. Don’t fall for it. What you should be doing is following those in the know."
Daily Telegraph
6 October 2007
Quote
Emerging markets - homing in on new workhouses
by Kara Gammell
Alan Steel said, “The bull market in world stockmarkets since late 2002 is probably the best kept investment secret.”
ASAM
1 October 2007
Article
Scotsman
29 September 2007
Article
Northern Wreck
by Alan Steel
"The debacle has exposed the shortcomings of bank-policing systems. It would be different if McFall was in charge."
Scotsman
29 September 2007
Quote
A room with a view can have real potential
by Sonia Speedy
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, suggests a good-quality property fund manager would be able to offer similar exposure, but with a wider investment diversification.
Scotland on Sunday
23 September 2007
Quote
Investors stranded in with-profits trap
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said, “Investors have put all their life savings into with-profit bonds without understanding what they have bought.”
Sunday Telegraph
23 September 2007
Quote
With-profits: even advisers are unsure
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel is concerned about big chunks of money which have been put into with-profit bonds without the consumer understanding what they have bought.
Daily Telegraph
22 September 2007
Quote
Silver lining investment strategies
by Kara Gemmell
Alan Steel said, “The Chinese symbol for crisis consists of two separate symbols, one representing danger - the other opportunity.”
Scotland on Sunday
16 September 2007
Article
I'm sorry to burst your bubble but life will carry on
by Alan Steel
"You would beat economists' stockmarket predictions by tossing a coin."
Daily Telegraph
15 September 2007
Quote
Keep the whole family in your pension pot
by Nina Montagu-Smith
Colin MacPherson, Technical Consultant, said, “This product certainly provides more flexibility and options than were previously available."
The Herald
8 September 2007
Quote
Personal Finance - Questions & Answers
by the editor
Alan Steel answers a question about the US sub prime mortgage problem.
ASAM
3 September 2007
Article
Daily Telegraph
1 September 2007
Quote
Benefit from market turmoil and buy funds on the cheap
by Faith Archer
Alan Steel said, “The chances are it is a buying opportunity for those investors who don’t need their money tomorrow.”
Scotsman
25 August 2007
Article
Just ignore the fog and read the signposts
by Alan Steel
Stockmarket dips have resulted in gloomy prophesies, but it could be the reverse is true.
Glasgow Herald
18 August 2007
Quote
Is the stockmarket’s bumpy ride the start of an economic meltdown?
by Simon Bain
Steve Forbes said, “If you think that this will have no impact on the future profitability of (say) utilities, tobacco or pharmaceutical companies, then we are looking at really good value.”
Scotsman
14 August 2007
Quote
How stockmarket woes could cost all of us dear
by Stephen McGinty
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said, “The stockmarket is the only situation when there is sale and people say, 'I'll wait until they go a bit higher'. In other words, this is an opportunity for those confident that it is a blip.”
Sunday Times
5 August 2007
Quote
Where to bag a profit before Christmas
by David Budworth
Alan Steel said, “There has been a secret bull run in technology which most investors have ignored. I would expect the run to continue.”
Daily Telegraph
4 August 2007
Quote
Stockmarket trends - protect your assets
by Myra Butterworth
Alan Steel compared recent stockmarket volatility to the turbulence experienced on a long haul flight.
ASAM
1 August 2007
Article
Informing You - August 2007
by Steven Forbes
"Act like an experienced flier and have a look at the "duty free" stockmarket trolley."
Scotland on Sunday
29 July 2007
Quote
When you have Friends like this...
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said, “Many of these policyholders have received no return over the past four years, while stock markets have been soaring away.”
Sunday Telegraph
29 July 2007
Quote
Markets: when to panic
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel said, “I'm not worried and I don't believe this is the time to go defensive - it is a powerful buying opportunity.”
Scotsman
28 July 2007
Article
The eternal optimist with uncanny insight
by Alan Steel
“In 1982 he correctly predicted the future of business. In 2007 can the Oracle do it again?”
ASAM
26 July 2007
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - Summer 2007
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says global growth and high liquidity will continue for a long time.
Daily Telegraph
21 July 2007
Quote
Technology light flashes amber
by Melanie Wright
Alan Steel said, “Technology is a kind of secret bull market because nobody is talking about how the best funds are doing but the closure of the Aegon fund could be a clear buying signal for the brave contrarian.”
Daily Telegraph
21 July 2007
Quote
How to make savings child’s play
by Myra Butterworth
Alan Steel said, “Invesco Perpetual Income funds have delivered with aplomb since launch 28 years ago.”
Scotsman
14 July 2007
Quote
Tight year holds growth
by David Scott
"Not the whopping 40 per cent of last year, but a tough market still made four times what deposits in a bank would return."
Scotsman
14 July 2007
Quote
IFAs spy opportunities as they take stock over lunch
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, says, “I’m quite upbeat about the next two to three years.”
Money Marketing
10 July 2007
Quote
Advisers call for Equitable chief to be sacked
by Katie Baier
Alan Steel says, “The problem is it makes no difference to the poor policyholders of Equitable Life.”
ASAM
2 July 2007
Article
Informing You - July 2007
by Alan Steel
"In keeping with previous years at this time, we thought we'd cheer you up."
Daily Telegraph
30 June 2007
Article
Private investors ignore history lessons at their peril
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel writes, " By far the most important factor to keep you on track and away from the clutches of pessimists is contrarian sentiment."
Scotsman
30 June 2007
Article
Pensions are as simple as 1, 2, 4, 72 ...
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “The quality of your life in retirement depends entirely on how well you’ve invested surplus income during your production years.”
Daily Telegraph
30 June 2007
Quote
Key steps to a blissful retirement
by Melanie Wright
Alan Steel said, “By and large it’s a mix of value style equities and fixed interest, usually with some built-in protection against a falling market.”
Daily Telegraph
9 June 2007
Quote
Is it time to heed profits of doom?
by Stephen Spurdon
Alan Steel said, “It seems to me that we are a good two and a half years away from the top of the market.
Scotsman
9 June 2007
Quote
Time to reckon up and see who takes the prize
by The Editor
David Scott said, “We tend to believe you should invest where there is value, and sometimes you can be too early, but this only shows up in the short term.”
Sunday Telegraph
3 June 2007
Quote
You can still earn more offshore
by Emma Simon
Fiona Middlemiss, Tax and Trust specialist, said, “Those investing larger sums also have greater flexibility, as they are able to switch funds within the wrapper without any CGT charge.”
Scotsman
2 June 2007
Article
You can wrap up a lot in a pension
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says you can do much more with tax-efficient retirement products than you may think.
ASAM
1 June 2007
Article
ASAM
17 May 2007
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - May 2007
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “It’s probably not a bad idea to nibble away at one or two technology funds if you haven’t already done so.”
Sunday Telegraph
6 May 2007
Quote
Another tech fund cashes in its chips as the fallout continues
by James Phillipps
Alan Steel says technology investors are unlikely to come back until the next bubble.
Scotsman
5 May 2007
Quote
World of opportunity on the stockmarkets
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
The Scotsman IFA of the Year Competition 2007 is entering the final straight.
Scotsman
5 May 2007
Article
Still plenty of value in the Dow
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says to ignore the pessimists; US equities remain cheap.
ASAM
1 May 2007
Article
Daily Telegraph
28 April 2007
Quote
Muscle in on the weak dollar
by Faith Archer
Alan Steel is optimistic about the prospects for the US economy.
Daily Telegraph
7 April 2007
Quote
How to build your retirement fund
by Ian Cowie and Kara Gammell
Alan Steel said, "What's the last and most important rule? Invest in the best funds."
Scotsman
7 April 2007
Quote
Healthy gains in sight despite turbulence
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
David Scott believes he has the right asset allocation profile and is confident that time will show that.
Financial Times
7 April 2007
Quote
Finding your way through the multi-asset maze
by Dido Sandler
Alan Adam said, “A fund's ability to stand out is more about the fund management. It comes back to how good the individual manager is at running the fund."
Scotsman
7 April 2007
Article
Pensions Equity is Pie in the Sky
by Alan Steel
“So bye bye my deserved pensions pie. Sought redress from the Pensions’ levy, but the levy was dry.”
ASAM
2 April 2007
Article
Informing You - April 2007
by Alan Steel
"History tells us the best economic formula lies with reducing tax, not increasing it."
Linlithgow Gazette
30 March 2007
Article
Financial firm sets gold standard
by Paul Collins
Another year, another success story for top Linlithgow financial firm, Alan Steel Asset Management.
Citywire
26 March 2007
Article
Edwards provides a touch of balanced managed class.
by Matthew Goodburn
Graeme Currie believes it is time more people recognised the ability of Midas Capital’s Simon Edwards.
The Times
24 March 2007
Quote
Where the experts invest
by Mark Atherton
Where Alan Steel is placing his ISA allowance for this tax year.
Scotsman
24 March 2007
Quote
Alan Steel Asset Management has been named Investment IFA of the Year 2007
by the editor
'It was praised by judges for the excellence of its research and handling of clients.'
Scotsman
17 March 2007
Quote
Stock market volatility means this could well be a good time to invest
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “It’s the only situation where people wait for prices to go up, rather than going for a bargain.”
Scotsman
17 March 2007
Quote
Let's not panic over sub-prime 'crisis' in US
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel has done some useful analysis of the market.
ASAM
16 March 2007
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - March 2007
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "The probability is this is a buying opportunity."
Sunday Herald
11 March 2007
Quote
Perks from bosses can keep your finances healthy
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Steel says any company who does not think life and medical insurance cover is important is deluding themselves.
Scotsman
10 March 2007
Article
Greenspan’s probability factor cut
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Former Fed chairman helped to spark equity crisis – but then he is trying to sell his memoirs.”
Scotsman
10 March 2007
Quote
Proceed with caution and come out on top
by Ian Fraser
Alan Steel remains bullish on global equities despite the recent market jitters.
Scotsman
10 March 2007
Quote
Equities still most attractive asset class in medium term
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
David Scott said, “I still believe our asset allocation is correct and, despite the recent pull back in the markets, the portfolio has held up reasonably well.”
BBC Radio Scotland
7 March 2007
Quote
Alan Steel on the Boomerang Generation
by Fred MacAulay
Alan Steel chats about the kids who keep coming back again and again and again.
ASAM
1 March 2007
Article
ASAM
28 February 2007
Article
Broken China?
by Alan Steel
Message from Alan Steel regarding the heavy falls in world markets on Tuesday 27 February.
ASAM
26 February 2007
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - February 2007
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said he’d rather back stockmarket gurus than those still piling into property.
Sunday Times
25 February 2007
Quote
Why your adviser is after your ISA
by Philip Scott
Alan Steel said the campaign was nothing more than a clever way to get people to recycle their clients’ cash and earn more commission.
Scotsman
10 February 2007
Article
Why false beliefs may cost you dear
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said economists do make predictions – usually dire ones and usually wrong.
Scotsman
10 February 2007
Quote
Equity optimism with a note of caution
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
David has decided to move out of the Jupiter North American Fund in favour of the NASDAQ and S&P 500 to try and improve performance.
Citywire
5 February 2007
Article
Wheels of Steel
by Mark Battersby
Alan Steel and Steven Forbes sharpen their competitive edge with a keen focus on demographic research and investment cycles.
Daily Telegraph
3 February 2007
Quote
Growth may be back after stunted era
by Melanie Wright
Alan Steel said, “There are some great unloved stocks that stand out, particularly in the technology sector.”
Scotsman
2 February 2007
Quote
Standard Life sees with-profit assets boosted
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “In the long-term, with-profits are not the best product. They will take a kicking the next time the market falls.”
ASAM
1 February 2007
Article
Informing You - February 2007
by Steven Forbes
"The feel good factor looks like it may last for some time."
Daily Telegraph
27 January 2007
Quote
Don't be taken for a ride
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, “Buying an annuity is even more important than buying a house…”
Scotsman
22 January 2007
Quote
SWIP's direction remains unclear after chief quits
by Alistair McArthur
Alan Steel said to get those superior returns, you have to employ people with passion.
The Herald
16 January 2007
Quote
Standard Life direct approach riles IFAs
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel commented , "I don't think a company that is sitting there holding the funds should be dispensing advice. You have to question in whose interests this is."
Scotsman
16 January 2007
Quote
Thoresen heads 'free financial advice' team
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “This beggars belief. It's like asking the architect of the Scottish Parliament to advise you on building your home.”
Sunday Herald
14 January 2007
Quote
How to meet the dreaded tax return deadline
by Nic Cicutti
Kathryn Rodger, Tax Consultant, says her tax return service is an add-on to the financial services advice provided by Alan Steel Asset Management.
Scotland on Sunday
14 January 2007
Quote
REITs to become next hot properties
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel believes the property boom may be reaching its peak.
Scotsman
13 January 2007
Article
Don’t believe everything you hear
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “There are some commonly held misconceptions about pensions that really need to be dispelled.”
Scotsman
13 January 2007
Quote
Returns head for double-digit figures across the board
by Edward Bonham Carter
David’s portfolio has benefited from his decision to reallocate cash held on deposit into relatively aggressive equity funds, such as Jupiter Merlin Worldwide.
Daily Telegraph
9 January 2007
Quote
'We have been technically insolvent for eight years'
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said a satisfactory solution may yet be found.
Scotland on Sunday
7 January 2007
Quote
Struggling friendly societies need a little help to get by
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said he would advise people to maintain their contract obligations.
Sunday Herald
7 January 2007
Quote
Collective property investment launched
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Steel said he is not turned on by REITs.
ASAM
3 January 2007
Article
2006
Sunday Telegraph
31 December 2006
Quote
Will our Wise Men in the City get it right?
by Emma Simon
Alan Steel gives his top tips for 2007.
Scotsman
30 December 2006
Quote
What the experts made of 2006 – and predict for 2007
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “Whatever you do, don’t listen to those pesky pessimists.”
Daily Telegraph
30 December 2006
Quote
Experts’ New Year Resolutions
by the editor
Alan Steel reminds us to get worried about stock markets when things look perfect.
Daily Telegraph
30 December 2006
Quote
2007 Financial Forecasts
by the editor
Alan Steel’s financial forecast for 2007.
ASAM
22 December 2006
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - December 2006
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “If you concentrate on the wrong factors you’ll miss the gorilla in 2007."
Scotsman
9 December 2006
Article
So Brown is the best Chancellor ever? Yo-ho-ho
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “If Gordon Brown was Santa Claus, Christmas would be a huge disappointment.”
Scotsman
9 December 2006
Quote
The performance so far in the Scotsman IFA of the Year Competition 2006-07.
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
£50,000 investment challenge.
Sunday Herald
3 December 2006
Quote
How to make new ISA freedom work for you
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said, “We do not expect this is suddenly going to accelerate now that they can switch cash into equity funds.”
Scotsman
2 December 2006
Quote
Chancellor seems to lack property of mercy on IHT
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “Raising the threshold in line with house prices would primarily benefit people in London.”
Daily Telegraph
2 December 2006
Quote
Buy USA
by Faith Archer
Alan Steel said, "The US is the great unloved, and when something is grossly undervalued, history tells us that now is a good time to invest."
ASAM
1 December 2006
Article
Glasgow Herald
20 November 2006
Article
Sunday Times
12 November 2006
Quote
Beware the hard sell on pensions
by Philip scott
Alan Steel says it leaves him speechless.
Scotsman
11 November 2006
Article
Take good advice to avoid the commission rip-off
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Commission is voluntary; you don’t have to pay these obscene charges.”
The Times
11 November 2006
Quote
Fine-tuning a chorister’s finances
by Magnus Grimond
Alan Steel gives his advice.
Scotland on Sunday
5 November 2006
Quote
Pocketing your pension pot
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said the charges were obscene. “If companies think they can justify this, they must be living on another planet.”
Sunday Telegraph
5 November 2006
Quote
Scotsman
4 November 2006
Quote
An investment with good properties
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “Investing in property comes with long-term agreements and it can be difficult to move assets.”
Scotsman
1 November 2006
Quote
FSA in radical overhaul of retail rules
by Rosemary Gallagher
Alan Steel said, “If the FSA had adopted basic principles of commonsense, consumers would be in a better position.”
Citywire Funds Insider
1 November 2006
Quote
The Virgin index tracker proves that cheap and cheerful is not the way to gain access to the stockmarket. One to sell.
by Dylan Lobo
Adam Adam, Financial Consultant, said “By opting for a tracker, I believe it comes into the “if you buy cheap you buy dear in the long-term” camp.
ASAM
1 November 2006
Article
Informing You - November 2006
by Alan Steel
"I thought this month I would concentrate on facts and leave you to form the opinions."
Sunday Herald
29 October 2006
Quote
Premium Bonds scoop £32bn as public tries to play it safe
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Steel says its when premium bonds become an alternative to a serious saving strategy that he has a problem.
The Times
25 October 2006
Quote
Bolton’s exit not linked to charge cut, says Fidelity
by Magnus Grimond
Alan Steel suggested that some of the criticism of the handover of Mr Bolton’s fund was motivated by a desire by IFAs to earn fees. “I think a lot of IFAs are taking the opportunity to churn their clients’ money and earn extra commission,” he said.
Reuters (London)
19 October 2006
Quote
Tory tax reform proposals - promise for the rich?
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said judging by historical evidence tax cuts had benefited consumers and the economy.
Scotsman
14 October 2006
Article
Ibiza is still the place to be – or should that be Linlithgow?
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel reckons the world is wakening up to the next phase of the bull market.
Sunday Express
8 October 2006
Quote
Fund managers fail to keep up with recovery
by Jenne Mannion
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, says, “The 25 per cent of fund managers who can outperform the stockmarket tend to do so consistently, year in year out.”
Scotsman
7 October 2006
Quote
Troublesome markets set a tough test for our IFA hopefuls
by Edward Bonham Carter
Jupiter says, with equity markets staging a setback at the time the competition started, David took a bold stance in holding back half the portfolio in cash. He has since used that market weakness to put some of that cash into growth-orientated funds. This looks sensible, as growth stocks are well placed to outperform.
Daily Telegraph
3 October 2006
Quote
Are you paying too much for your pension?
by John Greenwood and Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel believes that without guarantees many investors are best advised to move their funds elsewhere.
ASAM
2 October 2006
Article
Scotland on Sunday
1 October 2006
Quote
When to take the money and run
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, believes that without guarantees many investors are best advised to move their funds elsewhere.
Daily Telegraph
30 September 2006
Quote
Personal Account
by Ian Cowie
Steven Forbes contrasted blanket coverage of scare stories such as the millennium bug and bird flu with the embarrassed silence that followed in most of the media after these threats failed to materialise.
ASAM
25 September 2006
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - September 2006
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “Hang on to your hats!”
Scotsman
16 September 2006
Article
Educated in the true art of investment finance by Uncle Archie
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Where are today’s bargains? Well, if I were to tell you that most extreme pessimistic readings lie in growth and technology shares, would you have the courage to buy them?”
Scotsman
9 September 2006
Article
Things are looking up but we must be wary of any slowdown in the key US markets
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
David Scott said, “I am not concerned I am slightly behind the others at this stage because I have kept the gunpowder dry during the uncertain Summer and am confident I will catch up quickly over the next few months.”
Scotland on Sunday
3 September 2006
Article
Before you invest, make sure you’re on the right track
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “The findings are bad news for those in funds that match or track the index.”
Scotland on Sunday
3 September 2006
Quote
Hoping they’re safe as houses
by Lindsey Rogerson
Steven Forbes is more wary and believes that REITs could be “potentially dangerous”.
Daily Telegraph
2 September 2006
Quote
St Leger Day saying rings true for this year's shares
by Faith Archer
Alan Steel takes a different tack.
ASAM
1 September 2006
Article
Daily Telegraph
26 August 2006
Quote
Low-risk choice not always the best as it limits the gain
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel does not believe now is the right time to invest in protected funds.
Scotsman
19 August 2006
Article
Savings terms have real cash value
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says to keep it simple and flexible, shop around, find the best fund managers and don’t pay through the nose.
Scotsman
5 August 2006
Article
Scott breaks cover to make first changes
by the editor
David Scott has become the first contestant to make changes to his portfolio.
ASAM
1 August 2006
Article
Informing You - August 2006
by Steven Forbes
"I wouldn't be surprised if the apprentice outperformed the master."
ASAM
24 July 2006
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - July 2006
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “After the continuing nervousness in the stockmarkets, I thought it’d be helpful to give you some perspective on where we really are and what should be happening next.”
Scotsman
22 July 2006
Article
Personal Service – avoid it if you can
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “I find it so appalling that widespread mis-selling appears still to be going on, still ignored by Regulators and practiced openly on our High Streets.”
Scotsman
22 July 2006
Quote
Why writing may be on the wall for property market
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, “Demographic forces together with other fears over unemployment, debt levels and interest rates will take their toll. I'd stay away."
Daily Telegraph
15 July 2006
Quote
Baby boomer choices to put you in the fast lane
by Faith Archer
Looking at opportunities for future growth, Alan Steel described investing in healthcare funds as “a demographic-no-brainer”.
Scotland on Sunday
9 July 2006
Quote
Traditional family values
by Kate Foster
Alan Steel said if people organised themselves better, what a difference it would make to their retirement.
Scotsman
8 July 2006
Quote
Uncertainty is a major problem for this year’s hopefuls
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
David Scott added, “We are sitting with 50% in cash which we are using as a short term balance. We still anticipate a strong end to the year and we are monitoring on a weekly basis.”
ASAM
3 July 2006
Article
Informing You - July 2006
by Steven Forbes
"Crashes in any market always occur when they are least expected."
Scotland on Sunday
2 July 2006
Quote
Make your mind up time
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel says to buy and hold for at least a few years.
Daily Telegraph
1 July 2006
Quote
Don't let your finances spring a leak
by Nina Montagu-Smith
Alan Steel said a good adviser should be proactive.
Scotsman
24 June 2006
Article
Ways of avoiding stress even when market signs are worrying
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “If you have some cash, this is a good time to be investing more.”
Scotsman
24 June 2006
Quote
A split decision on special situations
by Jennifer Hill
Steven Forbes said, “It makes sense not to jump to any immediate conclusions.”
Daily Telegraph
24 June 2006
Quote
Fidelity Special Situations - Trusting in a ‘winning’ combination
by Melanie Homes and Faith Archer
Alan Steel recommends this highly to investors.
Scotsman
10 June 2006
Quote
Markets have thrown down the gauntlet
by Edward Bonham Carter
As winner of last year's contest, Alan Steel Asset Management has been re-invited, but this year it is David Scott who will be trying to carry on Alan Adam's initial success.
Scotsman
10 June 2006
Quote
Scotsman IFA of the Year 2007 Competition
by the editor
£50,000 investment challenge facing our five financial gurus, including David Scott, Financial Consultant.
Scotsman
3 June 2006
Quote
Launch of The Scotsman IFA of the Year 2006-7
by Jennifer Hill
Included in the five-strong band of contenders is David Scott, Financial Consultant.
Daily Telegraph
3 June 2006
Quote
Time to go for growth after years of caution
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel believes investors should now be looking at funds investing in growth companies.
The Times
3 June 2006
Quote
Are you more than a little overstretched?
by Magnus Grimond and Rebecca O'Connor
Alan Steel says it is best to be prepared.
Glasgow Herald
3 June 2006
Quote
Taking tax-free pension cash not quite that simple
by Helen Pridham and Simon Bain
Colin MacPherson, Pensions Technical Consultant, said, “The problem is that people have different amounts in different policies. It is definitely more complicated….”
ASAM
1 June 2006
Article
Scotsman
27 May 2006
Article
Global outlook cuts US deficit down to size
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “There are many reasons for economic optimism.”
Scotsman
27 May 2006
Quote
Ride out market storms or head for safer shores?
by Alistair McArthur
Alan Steel said, “Investors come to me saying they are nervous because the markets have fallen 8 per cent. I tell them that they weren’t nervous when the markets went up 8 per cent - they should ride it out.”
CityAM
25 May 2006
Quote
The Gold Rush in Emerging Markets
by Toby Walne
Alan Steel said, “There is an adage that you should invest in a country with more dreams than memories.”
Scotland on Sunday
21 May 2006
Article
Ignore the doom merchants - now is the time to buy
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “The pessimists think we’re all going down the tubes. I think the opposite.”
Scotsman
20 May 2006
Quote
Market moves: Is it time to bale out or dive in?
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel believed the recent downturn was a mere “pause for breath”.
ASAM
19 May 2006
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - May 2006
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “The pessimists think we’re all going down the tubes. I think the opposite.”
Money Marketing
11 May 2006
Quote
Fidelity’s Favourites
by Matt Goodburn
Alan Adam believes Shah’s fund management style is the closest fit to Bolton’s.
Daily Telegraph
6 May 2006
Quote
Time to buck the trend and invest in the US
by Alison Steed
Steven Forbes said, “The main benefit of a weak dollar is to American companies, because it will make American exports cheaper. A weak currency can be a big boost to the economy. It will strengthen.”
ASAM
1 May 2006
Article
Daily Telegraph
29 April 2006
Quote
Buried treasure lies waiting to be discovered
by Faith Archer
David Scott suggested funds which cover basic resources beyond energy.
Scotsman
29 April 2006
Quote
Scotsman IFA of the Year - Candidates for 2007 sum up their assets
by Jennifer Hill
Entrants for the next The Scotsman IFA of the Year, including David Scott, set out their stalls and explain why they feel they should be considered for the short list of five challengers.
Scotsman
29 April 2006
Article
When things begin to look good, it’s time to get out.
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “An easy way for the private investor to measure sentiment is to watch out for worry headlines. The greater the worry, the better the chance experts are wrong.”
Scotsman
29 April 2006
Article
Scotsman IFA of the Year 2006 - Portfolio growth shows value of optimism
by Alan Adam
Alan Adam talks about the logic behind his winning portfolio.
Scotsman
29 April 2006
Quote
Scotsman IFA of the Year 2006 - And the big winner is....Alan Adam
by Jennifer Hill
The judges were most impressed with the strong performance of Alan’s portfolio and the reasoning behind it.
Daily Telegraph
22 April 2006
Quote
Get the new tax year off to a flying start
by Faith Archer
Alan Steel said, "In the current rising market, you should be investing in your tax-free boxes early in the tax year, rather than at the end, because otherwise you will lose the opportunity of tax-free growth."
ASAM
11 April 2006
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - April 2006
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “This is probably a good time to start thinking about taking some profits in some sectors and switching into today’s unloved areas.”
Daily Telegraph
8 April 2006
Quote
Are we on course for an invasion of the profit-takers?
by Alison Steed
Alan Steel said, “Right now, the big thing is stock markets are too high and it's time to take profits.”
Scotsman
7 April 2006
Article
A-Day brings biggest pensions shake-up for nearly a century
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, “People are turned off by anything to do with pensions. A lot of them will have walked into a situation where they will have lost out, because they just haven't been aware.”
Scotsman
6 April 2006
Article
Pressure on inheritance 'stealth' tax
by Jennifer Hill
"People should be bombarding their MPs and saying, 'Enough is enough'," said Alan Steel.
Linlithgow Gazette
5 April 2006
Article
It’s like baking a cake
by the editor
Alan Steel said, “Put simply, the recipe for making money or losing it depends on where you are as investors compared to the herd.”
ASAM
3 April 2006
Article
Sunday Telegraph
2 April 2006
Quote
Six take a punt
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel gives his tips and suggestions for this year’s ISA.
Scotsman
1 April 2006
Article
Put it in a simple trust and rest easy
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “If you want to protect the next generation from tax, get yourselves an insurance policy written in a simple Trust and it will provide funds tax free when you die.”
Daily Telegraph
1 April 2006
Quote
What the experts say
by Faith Archer
Alan Steel said, “The key thing for the young is to teach the lesson of avoiding dumb debt, and not spending on credit cards.”
Sunday Herald
26 March 2006
Quote
Private investors allowed free entry to real estate
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Steel said, “My worry would be that many advisers will simply sell people what they want to buy, regardless of whether it is suitable for them.”
Sunday Times
19 March 2006
Quote
Older pension savers ‘should stay in shares’
by David Budworth
Graeme Currie said, “We have always questioned the value of slavishly reducing your equity holdings as you get older. It puts a ceiling on the potential for further growth.”
Professional Adviser - The Top 20 Fastest Growing IFAs
15 March 2006
Article
In tune with the customer
by the editor
Alan Steel Asset Management’s business ethic revolves around the trust which is engendered between adviser and client.
Sunday Herald
12 March 2006
Quote
Don’t fool around. Invest in an ISA before April 5.
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Steel gives his own ISA choice for this tax year.
Scotsman
11 March 2006
Quote
Expect volatility but stick with markets - they're on the up
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
Alan Adam is still in the lead with a portfolio increase of 36.4% since 1 April 2005.
Sunday Telegraph
5 March 2006
Quote
Why some IFAs are more independent than others
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel Asset Management have moved away from upfront charging altogether, be it fees or commission. They believe advisers should be paid for looking after their clients, by producing healthier returns over the longer term.
Sunday Telegraph
5 March 2006
Quote
The sell sell sell crowd are back again.
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel accuses some of his fellow IFAs of failing to tell clients how much commission they are being paid.
Scotland on Sunday
5 March 2006
Quote
IFAs feel the squeeze with commissions under fire
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said, "Some of the commissions being paid are obscene. They cannot be justified."
Scotland on Sunday
5 March 2006
Quote
Handsome rewards for beating A-Day deadline
by Lindsey Rogerson
Stan Chuchla will be topping up his pension fund in the next month, ahead of pensions simplification rules, to ensure he can maximise his income when he retires in five years.
Scotsman
4 March 2006
Article
Regulation restricts competition and fails to protect consumers
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Commission rates are voluntary. They’re negotiable. So start negotiating.”
Scotsman
2 March 2006
Quote
Borrowing to invest is a dangerous game
by Bill Jamieson
Alan Steel said, “It just doesn’t stack up.”
Money Marketing
2 March 2006
Quote
Brics and Mortar
by Matt Davies
Alan Adam compares the current hype around Bric funds with the froth over technology
ASAM
1 March 2006
Article
Scotland on Sunday
26 February 2006
Quote
After the journey to hell and back, dare we ride a bucking bull market?
by Liz Dolan
Alan Steel is bristling with optimism.
Daily Telegraph
25 February 2006
Quote
Where the smart money will be heading this spring
by Jenne Mannion
As a contrarian investor, Alan Steel is optimistic about a stockmarket that most are shying away from - the United States.
Daily Telegraph
25 February 2006
Quote
Prepare for retirement like the pros
by Jenne Mannion
Since setting up his company in 1975, Alan Steel has maintained a 30 per cent ratio and has built up a healthy pension pot.
ASAM
24 February 2006
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - Feb 2006
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “Please be assured we are already prepared to maximise opportunities for our clients before 6 April and after.”
Money Marketing
16 February 2006
Quote
Advice in a Vice
by Sonia Speedy
Alan Adam says With Profits has been oversold for years and people are trying to get out of the mess that has been created for them.
Scotsman
11 February 2006
Quote
Keeping momentum is the key as markets show positive trends
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
Alan Adam’s top ranking portfolio is now up 33.5% since 1 April 2005.
Scotsman
4 February 2006
Article
Like with-profits funds, final-salary pensions are an anachronism
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “All members, whether they’re drawing income or not, better learn to swim before it’s too late.”
Linlithgow Gazette
3 February 2006
Quote
James a cut above
by the editor
Stan Chuchla said, “We're delighted with James’ success and with that of the team.”
Scotsman
2 February 2006
Article
New blow for policyholders as Standard Life slide continues
by Alistair McArthur
Alan Steel said, “It's not Standard Life's fault that they are having to reduce final bonuses – it is the FSA.”
ASAM
1 February 2006
Article
Sunday Herald
22 January 2006
Quote
Borrowing against your home: It’s not as safe as houses
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Steel said, “Equity release is a function of failure. If you are having to rely on your home to provide an income, your financial planning has been wrong.
Daily Telegraph
21 January 2006
Quote
Consider opening the door to more storeys in your portfolio
by Faith Archer
Alan Steel said, “With commercial property, you do not get the same knee-jerk reaction to events.”
Scotsman
14 January 2006
Quote
Rising stock markets across the world boost investor confidence
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
Alan Adam is continuing to hold the top ranking in the Scotsman IFA of the Year.
Scotland on Sunday
8 January 2006
Quote
TOISAs are worth saving
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel said, “If you are so cautious that you think holding cash is a long-term investment then you should probably be in Gilts [Government Bonds]."
The Herald
7 January 2006
Quote
Clydesdale bans tiered commission for advisers.
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said his firm had always capped any commission payment at 3% to avoid bias, particularly where bonds were paying up to 8%.
Scotsman
7 January 2006
Article
It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there for turkeys
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “So what’s the European dogs’ portfolio of 2006 going to look like? Apparently a successful portfolio should contain banks, insurers and telecoms. And that’s interesting because many of the contrarian fund managers we talk to on a regular basis are of the same opinion.”
Practical Investors Journal
4 January 2006
Quote
Active and Passive Funds
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, “The best fund managers are contrarian; they fish around in the barrel of undervalue. This is in line with the most successful method of investment over the long-term - buy cheap and sell high. Trackers buy high and sell cheap. Fundamentally, a tracker can’t work.”
ASAM
3 January 2006
Article
Informing You - January 2006
by Alan Steel
"We believe the job creation and wealth creation in the US and elsewhere globally will continue."
C A Magazine
2 January 2006
Article
Exotic pensions run off road
by Ian Harper
Alan Steel said, “It was obvious to anybody with at least half a brain that such proposals would lead to huge industry problems including mis-selling and investor abuses.”
Scottish Business Insider
2 January 2006
Quote
You don’t have to put your money into gilts to be safe
by Lesley Campbell
Alan Steel said, “Life isn’t linear, it’s cyclical and your portfolio should reflect that.”
The Herald
2 January 2006
Quote
Analysts tip Japan for top returns this year
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel’s forecast of 5500 finish for the FTSE 100 came closer to most in 2005.
2005
Daily Telegraph
31 December 2005
Quote
Buoyant blue chips and Japan top predictions
by the editor
Alan Steel gives his predictions for 2006.
Linlithgow Journal & Gazette
30 December 2005
Article
Appeal Answered
by the editor
Stan Chuchla, Director, said, “We’re trying to mirror James’ excellence in sport in our work as financial advisers.”
Scotsman
24 December 2005
Quote
May the ghosts of Christmas tax the thoughts of Scrooge Brown
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, “When you're investing, try to save tax. Make sure you use as many tax shelters as you can because that protects you against nasty Chancellors who don't play by the book.”
Scotsman
10 December 2005
Quote
Our financial five find a share of the market’s return to strength
by Edward Bonham Carter
Alan Adam continues to rank top in the Scotsman IFA of the Year Challenge.
Scotsman
8 December 2005
Quote
Standard Life suffers a £3.5m SIPPs hit
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, “It makes you wonder what Brown is up to.”
The Herald
8 December 2005
Quote
Boom times are back as stock market hits four-year high
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, “I believe we are in a growth cycle and therefore you should be investing in equities.”
Public Service Review
7 December 2005
Quote
Excellent potential for investment
by the editor
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, answers questions about the pros and cons of investing in emerging markets.
Independent on Sunday
4 December 2005
Quote
New markets are waiting for a call, say tech funds
by Jenne Mannion
Alan Steel points out that it’s usually a good time to invest when a sector is unpopular and it is therefore cheaper to buy its shares.
ASAM
1 December 2005
Article
ASAM
28 November 2005
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - Nov 2005
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Going back to the May newsletter and to last August, world stockmarkets have done very nicely thank you very much since then.”
Daily Telegraph
26 November 2005
Quote
All things being equal, pick equities
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel has long been an advocate of share-based funds for medium to long term investors.
Daily Telegraph
19 November 2005
Quote
Funds in focus: Jury still out as revolving door at Credit Suisse swings round again.
by the editor
Alan Steel sees no reason to act in haste.
Daily Telegraph
12 November 2005
Quote
'Spears' are sharp enough to avoid pensioner poverty
by Faith Archer
Alan Steel said, “In an ideal world, what people would like for retirement is income which stands a chance of rising ahead of inflation, and capital which over three to five years will also rise ahead of inflation.”
Scotsman
12 November 2005
Article
Less red tape, more red wine, that’s my recipe for life
by Sharon Ward
Alan Steel said, “It’s the classic British system. We wait until there’s a big train crash then we do something.”
Scotsman
5 November 2005
Article
A big decision – is it growth or value?
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, “The value boys are looking at the growth sector and saying there’s fantastic value in there.”
ASAM
1 November 2005
Article
Scotsman
15 October 2005
Article
Bumps along the way won’t derail market
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “I’d bet this is another speed bump on the road to equity riches.”
Scotsman
11 October 2005
Quote
Standard Life downplays float delay threat
by Martin Flanaghan
Alan Steel said, “I cannot believe the FSA has sat back until now, so late in the (flotation) process and said, ‘We are not going to let you float because of the potential (endowment) shortfalls.’ It’s ludicrous.”
Scotsman
8 October 2005
Quote
With UK sluggish, it is worth looking east – near and far
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
Alan Adam is still ranking top in the Scotsman IFA of the Year challenge.
ASAM
3 October 2005
Article
Informing You - October 2005
by Steven Forbes
"We see no signs that markets are heading towards Armageddon."
Professional Adviser
1 October 2005
Quote
Britain’s 50 most influential IFAs 2005
by the editor
Alan Steel – Forthright Speaker
Daily Telegraph
1 October 2005
Quote
Time to harness technology again if you've a brave spirit
by Marianne Curphey
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said, “"Now is not the time to ditch technology trusts, and if you are brave enough you should be buying more.”
Scotsman
26 September 2005
Article
How small-cap Brough stole the stock-market performance show
by Bill Jamieson
Brough was star guest at a lunch organised by Alan Steel, the Sage of Linlithgow and a torch bearer for the message that Brough and others have been trying to convey for the past two years.
Glasgow Herald
24 September 2005
Quote
Star performing manager’s secret is simply child’s play
by Karl West
Andy Brough, manager of the star-performing Schroder Mid 250 Fund, was speaking at Edinburgh’s New Club to clients and other guests of Alan Steel Asset Management this week.
Daily Telegraph
24 September 2005
Quote
Cash clinic: Bedmaker from Texas has a pillow-fight with his finances
by Helen Dunne
Fiona Middlemiss, Technical Services Manager, warns that Warren should be aware that the treaty between the US and UK that stops double tax charges does not cover death duties.
Daily Telegraph
17 September 2005
Quote
New dawn breaks for the Nikkei as reformer returns
by Alison Steed and Faith Dewey
Alan Steel said, "The smart money would be on Japanese small to middle-sized firms, so that is the kind of fund people should buy."
Daily Telegraph
12 September 2005
Article
Why UK accounts can be best bet
by Helen Dunne
Alan Steel claims expatriates are enticed by the image of offshore accounts and sometimes may be better off buying UK based accounts.
Daily Telegraph
12 September 2005
Quote
Make checks before signing up
by Helen Dunne
Alan Steel said investors should check out all advisers and the products before signing contracts.
Daily Telegraph
12 September 2005
Quote
Beware of the hidden costs of protection
by Helen Dunne
Alan Steel said, “Protection is like family planning. You only realise you need it when it is too late.”
Daily Telegraph
10 September 2005
Quote
Fidelity star causes stir with plan to split fund in two
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, "Investors should beware of churning - whereby advisers may recommend switching to other funds in order to generate commission for the adviser."
Daily Telegraph
10 September 2005
Quote
Cherry picking giving you the pip? Let the experts do the legwork
by Jenne Mannion
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said there are many good funds-of-funds but investors should not assume that buying one is an instant recipe for success.
Scotland on Sunday
4 September 2005
Article
Financial services regulator should go back first to principles.
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “It does seem Regulators and the present Government believe investor protection is more easily achieved if they can push all financial advice through fewer and fewer big financial institutions. Aye right – just like Equitable Life? “
Daily Telegraph
3 September 2005
Article
Rush for unit trusts drives sales up tenfold
by Ian Cowie
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said, “After good returns from equity-based funds since March 2003, and with a cooling housing market, people are finally seeing that property is not the answer to all their investment problems.”
Edinburgh Evening News
2 September 2005
Quote
Life on line as mutual nears decision time
by Alistair McArthur
Alan Steel does not think a mutual society is appropriate for the future.
ASAM
1 September 2005
Article
Daily Record
30 August 2005
Article
Don't follow the herd
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel rounds off his series for stockmarket novices by reviewing the key tenets of investing.
Daily Telegraph
27 August 2005
Quote
Healthcare stocks ride out US ruling
by Jenne Mannion
Alan Steel said, “It pays to be contrarian and buy exactly what everyone else is ignoring.”
Scotsman
27 August 2005
Article
Jargon, jargon and more jargon. Little wonder investment sales are plummeting.
by Alan Steel
"We don't need thousands of civil servants to improve matters. We only need one or two people with commonsense," says Alan Steel.
Scotsman
27 August 2005
Quote
Pensioners being taken for mugs as companies target growth
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel said, “It’s not just about being in or out, but what the benefits are as well.”
The Independent
27 August 2005
Quote
Wealth Check: “I need to have instant access to my savings.”
by Lesley Wright
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, offers a professional opinion.
Sunday Herald
21 August 2005
Article
There may be safety in numbers - but there is money in following a road less travelled.
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Those so gloomy about this decade overlook the potential positive benefits of three emerging technologies.
ASAM
19 August 2005
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - August 2005
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “It seems sensible to back contrarian fund managers. And embrace unconventional thinkers.”
Daily Record
16 August 2005
Article
Hullo rerr China
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Sports giants like Adidas, and now Celtic, are seeking to cash in on Far Eastern markets.”
Scotsman
13 August 2005
Quote
Intrepid quintet bounce back in impressive style in our challenge
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
Jupiter says Alan Adam’s portfolio ranks top of the group so far.
The Herald
10 August 2005
Quote
Customers forced to wait for home loan rate cut
by Alison Chiesa
Alan Steel said, “If some banks and building societies are still sitting on their hands not sure what to do, it makes you wonder who is running these institutions.”
Daily Telegraph
6 August 2005
Quote
Ways to strike out for rich territory ahead of the rest
by Faith Dewey
Alan Steel is very positive about financials as a sector.
Daily Record
2 August 2005
Article
Bye Bye Buy to Let
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “What you’ve got to do is find investments other people are running away from.”
ASAM
1 August 2005
Article
Sunday Herald
31 July 2005
Quote
Man's best friend ? Not if your fund's a lazy old pooch
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Steel said, “We spend in excess of 5000 hours a year monitoring funds and inviting managers to our offices to talk to us about what they are doing.”
Scotsman
30 July 2005
Article
Fund in Focus
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel believes that now is a great time to be getting into Framlington Health.
Scotland on Sunday
24 July 2005
Quote
Making the most of a rate cut
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel advises that married couples who pay tax at different rates put their savings to work in the name of the spouse in the lower tax bracket.
Daily Record
19 July 2005
Article
Nova had it so good
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel has found a haven with a really Scottish feel.
Scotsman
9 July 2005
Article
Problems lie ahead but don't bet on all doom and gloom
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, “The last thing you should do right now is invest in resources. That’s where the smart money has been for the last two or three years.”
ASAM
8 July 2005
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - July 2005
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “For serious investors the big picture continues to be encouraging.”
Scotsman
7 July 2005
Article
How the FTSE can be false barometer of UK's economy
by John Bowker
Alan Steel said, “In reality, outstanding equity markets often exist in countries with poor economies, such as Hungary and Egypt.”
Daily Record
5 July 2005
Article
What do you know?
by Alan Steel
Everyone gets foxed by the mysteries of money, says Alan Steel, but if you remember the magic number, you’ll be able to find an investment that you can count on in later life.
Scotsman
2 July 2005
Article
Index funds are a key ingredient in the marketplace
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel said, "Obviously, what you want to do is buy cheap and sell high, but index managers have to buy high and the effect of buying overpriced stock gives you a performance drag."
ASAM
1 July 2005
Article
Informing You - July 2005
by Alan Steel
"You should be buying what nobody else wants - technology shares for example."
Good Morning Scotland
24 June 2005
Quote
Alan Steel on long term investments
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "Continuing to invest in a basket of shares rather than just in one share has proved to return the best returns."
Daily Telegraph
22 June 2005
Article
Europe is no longer a tax haven
by Teresa Hunter
Fiona Middlemiss said, “But now the Revenue requires people to pay tax on interest earned every year, offshore accounts can no longer be used as effectively this way.”
Daily Record
21 June 2005
Article
Quote me happy? I'd love them to.
by Alan Steel
Telly adverts suggest that bankers and insurers are ready to give you the all-singing, all-dancing service that you crave – but Alan Steel urges caution or you could be the one who ends up dancing to their tune.
Scotland on Sunday
19 June 2005
Article
Tax dodgers feel the heat
by Teresa Hunter
Fiona Middlemiss said, “There isn’t a good reason now to hold money off-shore except to keep it away from the taxman.”
Daily Record
7 June 2005
Article
Are summer of love kids to blame for house price rises?
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “Today’s property market is dictated by demographics and baby boomers have been the driving force.”
Sunday Times
5 June 2005
Quote
Harness the power of the grey pound
by David Budworth
Alan Steel said, “With their children gone, baby boomers have more disposable income to spend on dream-fulfilment goods.”
Daily Telegraph
4 June 2005
Article
Make sure you keep passing Go in real life
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Equity income trusts could well be the medium-risk, long-term answer for steady capital and income growth.”
Daily Telegraph
4 June 2005
Quote
Cash clinic: Marriage could be the solution both for love and for money
by Tessa Thorniley
David Scott advises on the importance of getting married.
Scotsman
4 June 2005
Quote
How to make money - and friends green with envy
by Lindsey Rogerson
If the person is a non-taxpayer, David Scott, Financial Consultant, recommended putting all of the money into an account in that name so that interest will be paid gross.
ASAM
1 June 2005
Article
Informing You - June 2005
by Steven Forbes
"I doubt whether buying a property will hasten an early retirement."
Sunday Herald
29 May 2005
Quote
What do you do when your IFA shuts up shop?
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Steel said, "“My own recommendation would be to ask around family and friends and ask if they have an adviser they use and how trustworthy he or she is."
Scotland on Sunday
29 May 2005
Article
Contrarian fund managers keep well ahead of the herd
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “So if you want stock market investments to out-perform, find contrarian fund managers and watch your investments grow contrary to the expectations of the crowd.”
ASAM
26 May 2005
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - May 2005
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, "So if you want stockmarket investments to out-perform, find contrarian fund managers."
Daily Record
24 May 2005
Article
Put your trust in Unit Trusts
by Alan Steel
“If you’re looking to maximise your income, these canny funds offer long-term benefits,” says Alan Steel
Scotsman
21 May 2005
Quote
Jupiter rises above 'doom and despondency' for Alan Steel
by Jennifer Hill
Due to a correction in the markets, Alan Adam recommended a change to the portfolio.
Scotsman
18 May 2005
Article
Scots preparing to spend another year saddled with debt
by Craig Brown
Alan Steel said, “To be honest, I think this is just the latest scare going around.”
Fund Strategy
16 May 2005
Article
Reaping the rewards of a contrarian stance
by Simon Hildrey
Alan Steel is questioned by Simon Hildrey.
Scotsman
14 May 2005
Quote
Market jitters and how our five IFA of the Year hopefuls have coped
by John Chatfeild-Roberts
£50,000 investment challenge
Daily Record
10 May 2005
Article
You should leave us all well alone, Gordon
by Alan Steel
Don’t look to the Government or Chancellor to explain inflation and interest rises, writes Alan Steel.
Daily Telegraph
7 May 2005
Quote
When it's time to cut the comedy on your account.
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel said, "Older people still have large sums of money deposited because they don't realise the account is no longer a top earner. I urge people to talk to elderly relatives about this."
The Independent
7 May 2005
Quote
Rich pickings for investors happy to channel-hop
by David Prosser
Alan Steel said that Continental Europe is an obvious starting point for UK investors who need to diversify.
ASAM
2 May 2005
Article
Informing You - May 2005
by Fiona Middlemiss
Fiona Middlemiss, Technical Services Manager, talks about EU legislative changes.
Daily Record
26 April 2005
Article
Who will benefit from your death?
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says make a Will or it’ll be the taxman and relatives you never see.
Daily Telegraph
23 April 2005
Quote
The drift is towards the Continent
by Alison Steed
Alan Steel said, “There is no doubt there has been an under-investment in the European scene.”
Edinburgh Evening News
22 April 2005
Quote
Ready to rumble in battle for the board
by Jim Stanton
Alan Steel said, “A lot of people would like to see some change, some fresh blood.”
Edinburgh Evening News
18 April 2005
Quote
Lothians’ police chief qualifies for boost to pension
by Nicola Stow
Alan Steel comments on the police pension scheme.
Scotsman
16 April 2005
Article
Bigger firms are easier to police? That's Equitable
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “The Government has decided to pass more laws putting IFAs under more pressure. These laws will shortchange pensioners and investors further.”
Scotsman
16 April 2005
Article
Playing it safe with passive funds no match for strategy
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, “The most successful method of investment of all time is to buy cheap and sell high."
Daily Record
12 April 2005
Article
MOT your pension for maximum return
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “If your plans let you down, the real key is the investment inside needs an oil change pronto.”
Daily Record
12 April 2005
Quote
Your personal finance questions answered
by a staff reporter
In this week's Cash Clinic, David Scott of Alan Steel Asset Management gives the answers.
Scotland on Sunday
10 April 2005
Quote
Keep life cover safe from grip of taxman
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel Asset Management mentions trusts to clients when looking at their protection needs as a matter of course.
Scotsman
9 April 2005
Article
Search for best IFA starts here
by Edward Bonham Carter
Jupiter is delighted to be sponsoring the Scotsman IFA of the Year competition.
Scotsman
9 April 2005
Quote
IFA of the Year Award
by a staff reporter
Five of the best pit their wits to win a £50,000 investment challenge.
Good Morning Scotland
8 April 2005
Quote
How to get your finances in order
by Jamie McIver
If the worst comes to the worst and redundancy looms, Alan Steel advises on how to get your finances in order.
The Independent
3 April 2005
Quote
Last-minute ISA buyers offered the best of all worlds
by Jenne Mannion
Alan Steel said, "Not only do they choose the best funds from the start, multi-managers spend their working week monitoring them."
The Independent
2 April 2005
Quote
Where to look for both income and growth
by Jenne Mannion
"I have been a finanical adviser for over 30 years and from day one equity income funds have continued to deliver the goods, "said Alan Steel.
Scotsman
2 April 2005
Quote
The hunt is on for The Scotsman IFA of the year
by Jennifer Hill
The six IFAs, including Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, Alan Steel Asset Management, will lay bare their investment decisions.
ASAM
1 April 2005
Article
Daily Telegraph
31 March 2005
Quote
Watch out! There's a Chancellor about, and he is after our savings.
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, "Pensions are just investments with funny rules, so it is vital to put enough into them and pick the right fund manager."
The Herald
30 March 2005
Article
Lobby groups attacks Standard Life pension benefits
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, “Why should the chief executive of an insurance company, or a plc, be treated any differently from controlling directors of small companies?”
Daily Record
29 March 2005
Quote
Your personal finance questions answered
by a staff reporter
David Scott of Alan Steel Asset Management answers some readers’ questions.
Daily Record
29 March 2005
Article
Read the small print, don't get caught out
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “The next time you are offered a free lunch, remember to shop around. You should be pleasantly surprised.”
Sunday Times
27 March 2005
Article
Standard Life sales deal
by Robert Ballantyne
Alan Steel said it was unacceptable that Crombie should be awarded more than a 70% pension top-up. “Given that policy holders are losing bonuses, it doesn’t seem right.”
Scotsman
26 March 2005
Article
It pays to review your investment fund portfolios
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, “Whatever happens, you should continually review your funds and not just stick to what you think are yesterday’s winners.”
The Independent
26 March 2005
Quote
Wealth Check: "How do I keep saving when I have so many pensions?"
by Elizabeth Skerritt
Alan Adam gives advice on a pensions and investment case.
The Herald
25 March 2005
Article
His pension went up by £2.75m last year. Your bonus was cut. He's chief of Standard Life. You're a policy holder.
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, “For Mr Crombie to take this top-up when his policy holders are getting less is unacceptable. I would not accept it and say I'll suffer as well."
Scotland on Sunday
20 March 2005
Article
Many happy returns for retirement years
by Lesley Campbell
Alan Steel said, “The league tables can tell you who did well last year, but don’t tell you who is up and coming.”
Sunday Telegraph
20 March 2005
Quote
The best of times, the worst of times
by Jenne Mannion
Alan Steel says that for new investors at least the outlook is now sunnier.
Daily Record
15 March 2005
Article
It's every pension for itself
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “Private pension plans do carry charges but they pale into insignificance compared to the tax-free benefits, the added tax relief and the growth you’ll achieve."
Daily Telegraph
12 March 2005
Quote
Blackberry and Apple: how the risk bears fruit
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel has put his ISA money into a tech fund this year with Framlington Nasdaq.
Linlithgow Journal & Gazette
11 March 2005
Article
Cream of financial crop
by Jack Shennan
Alan said, “That means we’ve been judged by the investment community. We couldn’t be happier.”
The Sunday Times
6 March 2005
Article
Is it dotcom mania all over again?
by David Budworth
Alan Steel says, “Over the next two years, I think a lot of money will be made.”
Sunday Times
6 March 2005
Quote
The Scotsman
5 March 2005
Quote
Check out supermarkets for way to bridge the savings gap
by Jennifer Hill
Alan Steel said, "Hoping to sell a pension at a check-out by offering bonus points is not an appropriate way to get customers on the road to proper financial independence."
Daily Telegraph
5 March 2005
Quote
Big is beautiful once again as leading shares prove their worth.
by Faith Dewey
Alan Steel said, “The case is very strong for future out-performance of our biggest company shares at long last."
The Herald
5 March 2005
Article
Time to return to an equities ISA
by Andrew Collier
Alan Steel says, “We think equities are undervalued at present, and that there are some prime opportunities.”
The Scotsman
4 March 2005
Quote
Alan Steel Asset Management has won the Best Investment IFA in the UK Award at the Money Marketing Awards in London.
by the editor
Alan Steel Asset Management - Best Investment IFA in the UK 2005
Money Marketing Financial Services Awards 2005
2 March 2005
Article
ASAM - Best Financial IFA 2005
by Alan Steel
ASAM is proud of its contrarian stance and benefits clients through its thorough grilling of fund managers and constant attention to performance.
The Scotsman
1 March 2005
Article
For Steel, small is beautiful
by Lindsey Rogerson
Steel has reached a point where he feels it is time to concentrate on what he loves best - investment research and spending time with clients.
Daily Record
1 March 2005
Article
An equitable life? Not if you're looking for impartial advice
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel questions the Government’s decision to muddy the waters over giving out independent financial advice.
ASAM
1 March 2005
Article
Scotsman
19 February 2005
Article
Avon's above, it's a novel idea
by Jennifer Hill
“It might be a case of, ‘I’ll sell you a with-profits plan and some blusher as well, so you don’t look so bad. Or how about some bonuses - in eyeliner?” said Alan Steel.
Daily Record
15 February 2005
Article
There will be no slump - just a hiccup
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel looks at economists’ predictions but dismisses their gloomy outlook.
Daily Record
15 February 2005
Quote
Daily Telegraph
12 February 2005
Quote
Many a slip in rush to the bandwagon
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel said, "Too many people focus on problems and never see opportunities."
Scotsman
7 February 2005
Article
Forum in Capital to put focus on profits
by Alan Steel
TEC members include Linlithgow's Alan Steel Asset Management.
ASAM
1 February 2005
Article
Letter from Linlithgow - Feb 2005
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “Most clients don’t yet have e-mail but would like regular contact. We thought we’d do it in the form of a letter and this is the first one. “
Daily Record
1 February 2005
Article
Grab Ibiza the global action...
by Alan Steel
“Just like his favourite Balearic island, Alan Steel says the world economy is not as bad as experts paint it.”
ASAM
1 February 2005
Article
Scotland on Sunday
23 January 2005
Quote
Skies are clearing for green investors
by a staff reporter
Adviser Alan Steel has a novel piece of advice for, among others, the increasing number of homeowners facing an inheritance tax liability: get married.
Daily Record
18 January 2005
Article
'Til death us do bankrupt
by Alan Steel
"If you're not married but expect to be treated as an equal under the law, you'll be disappointed," explains Alan Steel.
BBC Radio Scotland
5 January 2005
Quote
How to give your finances a makeover
by Waseem Zakir
Alan Steel said, "The first thing to do is sit down with an expert and look at your tax position, pension, protection, mortgage and put them in order."
ASAM
4 January 2005
Article
Letter to Clients
1 January 2005
Article
ASAM is 30 years old and has a new Managing Director
by Alan Steel
The Board and I have decided it’s time for us all to play to our strengths. Put simply, Steve is the right man for the job.
Daily Telegraph
1 January 2005
Quote
The experts study the 2005 crystal ball
by Faith Dewey
Alan Steel said, "The FTSE 100 is not an accurate barometer of economic health or stockmarket strength."
2004
The Scotsman
18 December 2004
Quote
IFAs reveal where the smart money (theirs) is
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel said, "Last year, my Maxi ISA was with emerging markets, but is now being switched to First State to follow the fund manager."
Daily Record
14 December 2004
Article
With Profits - Without Hope?
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “Personally, I think, in a few years things will be better. But I wouldn’t be inclined to put fresh money into With Profits unless you take independent advice.”
The Herald
11 December 2004
Article
There is an alternative market for tax-efficient investments
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel commented, “It is a good idea, though it should be remembered that it is high risk and it will only work if the investments work.”
BBC Radio Scotland
9 December 2004
Quote
Popular capitalism
by Sandy Murray
Alan Steel said, "The more pessimists you have, the more you should be buying."
ASAM
1 December 2004
Article
Informing You - December 2004
by Steven Forbes
"We make up our own minds and note the views of leading experts."
Daily Record
30 November 2004
Article
Not all profits policies are up to Standard
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says Standard Life’s moves to cut costs are good news for investors, but he blames the Equitable Life debacle for the confidence crisis over with-profits policies.
The Scotsman
25 November 2004
Article
Moves will deprive group of favour tag with IFAs
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel said, “On balance, I think the fact that costs are being driven out will be good for clients, even with a short-term negative knee-jerk reaction.”
Daily Telegraph
20 November 2004
Article
A Whether Update
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says “I told you so,” as share prices hit new peaks – and explains why he thinks the best is yet to come."
Daily Record
16 November 2004
Article
Ignore the Scrooges - don't dump your ISAs
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “So don’t dump your Maxi ISAs, or stop putting money into your pensions or Unit Trusts. Just make sure they’re in decent investment funds.”
The Scotsman
13 November 2004
Article
Is the United States economy busted?
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “With inflation and interest rates much lower now than then, history is on the side of better growth and higher stockmarkets.”
Daily Telegraph
13 November 2004
Quote
Looking for growth? Try adding a little zip to your portfolio
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel, who runs his own investment advice business in West Lothian, believes it will be China that will show the strongest growth and that will drive Far East funds.
Daily Telegraph
13 November 2004
Quote
The state pension is failing many women
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel said, “With the advent of stakeholders, women can now contribute to personal pensions during career breaks..."
Scotland on Sunday
7 November 2004
Article
Phantom protection is costing us dear
by Lesley Campbell
Alan Steel believes the regulator should have a more proactive role and should prevent mis-selling scandals before they occur.
Daily Record
2 November 2004
Article
Buy cheap, sell high - it works every single time
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, "All the research available to us points firmly to strong economic growth in the world over the next few years."
ASAM
1 November 2004
Article
Informing You - November 2004
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel talks about the present case for US equities.
Scotland on Sunday
24 October 2004
Quote
Get best gains from your SIPP
by Lesley Campbell
Fiona Middlemiss does not believe the problem is widespread and that very few SIPPs have been worded carelessly.
Daily Telegraph
23 October 2004
Article
Not so much who dares as who does the work
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, "It is obviously time to be in the market and to gain exposure to growth stocks through actively managed funds."
Daily Record
19 October 2004
Article
Match the pattern and reap the rewards
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel reveals how tracking the past can help your financial future.
Daily Telegraph
9 October 2004
Quote
Ageing baby boomers improve the prognosis of ailing sector
by Alison Steed
Alan Steel said, “Healthcare is worth considering because of the demographics of the world."
Glasgow Herald
9 October 2004
Quote
Heavens, it's a shooting star
by Simon Bain
Alan Adam said, “Index-tracking has been proven incorrect over the last two or three years."
Daily Record
5 October 2004
Article
Rule No 1 - Never, ever trust an expert
by Alan Steel
In the second of his series on the secrets of sound investment, Alan Steel explains why we should never believe the prophets of doom.
Sunday Telegraph
3 October 2004
Article
Standard Life embarks on SIPP offensive
by Paul Farrow
Graeme Currie said, "Charges should come down because the fund supermarket will levy no initial charges."
The Scotsman
2 October 2004
Article
Double threat to with-profit policyholders
by Conal Gregory
Alan Steel has called on the Government to intervene on the purchasing of With-Profit Funds.
Daily Telegraph
2 October 2004
Quote
How to build income from your savings
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel said, "There is a lot of correlation between this year and 1994 when there were also worries about interest rates, inflation, terrorists and oil."
Bloomberg Money
1 October 2004
Quote
The Advisers' Verdict on Threadneedle
by a staff reporter
Three of Bloomberg Money’s experts refuse to recommend Threadneedle funds.
Bloomberg Money
1 October 2004
Quote
Reviving a sleeping giant
by Jeff Prestridge
Graeme Currie says, "Threadneedle continues to do everything wrong."
ASAM
1 October 2004
Article
The Herald
28 September 2004
Article
Equitable Life policyholders face fresh compensation blow
by Simon Bain
Graeme Currie said, "Our belief is there is no money there and they can't afford to pay out the real compensation that is due so they are trying to wriggle out of it."
e-letter to clients
24 September 2004
Article
Here comes the Sun
by Alan Steel
A couple of days ago “the Sun” phoned me. The Sun in question is Ezra Sun, one of the finest and most able Far East fund managers, known to us over the years.
Financial Adviser
23 September 2004
Article
FSA fiddles while IFAs' world burns
by Jeff Prestridge
'The country needs the Steels of this world far more than it needs an ever-expanding but increasingly ineffective FSA.'
Professional Adviser
23 September 2004
Article
Alan Steel - Not afraid to mince words
by Gary Robinson
Alan Steel said, “My philosophy has not been that different since the 1970s. You should look at the long-term relationship with your clients and you will not go far wrong.”
Professional Adviser
23 September 2004
Article
Man of Steel
by Gary Robinson
When Alan Steel knows he is right about something, he has to voice his opinion - as Equitable Life found out.
Daily Record
21 September 2004
Article
Money for Numpties
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “One secret is to start with a goal. Another is to have a plan. It will help if you can work out the size of your goal, and the timescale.”
The Herald
17 September 2004
Quote
Precipice Bonds
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "I find it odd that when complaints like this are levelled at us, only part of the story is told."
The Herald
14 September 2004
Quote
Precipice Bonds
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “I hope I represent the interests of many thousands of pension holders and investors short-changed over the past five years”
Daily Telegraph
11 September 2004
Article
Why old adages don't always work in new markets
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel said, “The kind of funds which suit regular saving, in my opinion, are smaller company funds.”
The Herald
9 September 2004
Quote
FSA's role
by Alan Steel
I must respond to Anna Bradley’s letter regarding what the Financial Services Authority does – or rather doesn’t do (September 8).
The Herald
8 September 2004
Quote
FSA's role
by Anna Bradley
Independent financial adviser Alan Steel claims that the key features and marketing material of financial products are “run past the regulator….”
The Sunday Times
5 September 2004
Quote
Scandal of the rogue advisers
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “They have done nothing wrong legally, but it is morally suspect to dodge your responsibilities in this way – and let the rest of the industry pick up the tab.”
The Scotsman
4 September 2004
Article
Let's use that common sense to suss out the baddies and iffy products before they can cause any more problems
by Alan Steel
"The Financial Services Authority’s decision this week to bar financial advice group David Aaron from operating is too little too late to protect investors,” says Alan Steel.
The Herald
3 September 2004
Article
FSA denies "too slow" claim on mis-selling
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, “What is the point of banning a firm when it is insolvent eight or nine months later? They are not banning individuals.”
Daily Telegraph
3 September 2004
Quote
Physiotherapist wants finances in shape for a stay down under
by Harriet Meyer
David Scott, Financial Consultant, gives advice on managing money abroad.
Bloomberg Money
1 September 2004
Quote
Burning Brightest
by Jeff Prestridge
Steven Forbes said, "New Star resembles a kennels at the moment."
BBC TV 2
1 September 2004
Television
ASAM
1 September 2004
Article
Informing You - September 2004
by Colin MacPherson, Technical Consultant
"We will keep you informed of the changes."
Sunday Times
29 August 2004
Article
Pensioners miss out on 10% annuity rates
by David Budworth
Alan Steel said, “Insurers are obliged to make people aware of the open market option for annuities."
Scotland on Sunday
29 August 2004
Article
Best returns a matter of timing
by Lesley Campbell
Alan Steel believes investment trusts are outdated and that they have been superseded by more efficient investment vehicles.
The Herald
23 August 2004
Article
Failure to understand annuity jargon will cost you thousands
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, “Anything relating to a GAR that is in the documentation is well buried, believe me. The reality is people don't understand the jargon."
Sunday Times
22 August 2004
Quote
The great debate: where now for the stockmarket?
by Naomi Caine
Alan Steel said, "Are we really saying that there won't be any shares out there that make money?"
The Scotsman
19 August 2004
Article
Reasons to cheer death of Cult of the Equity
by Bill Jamieson
Alan Steel had made some rude remarks about Standard Life’s management earlier this year. One particularly colourful sentence referred to monkeys, darts and the share price pages of the FT.
Money Marketing
12 August 2004
Article
Don't bank on growth
by Chris Duncan
David Scott believes that, despite short-term volatility, financial funds remain a sound long-term bet.
Daily Telegraph
7 August 2004
Article
At last, is this the land of the rising fund?
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, “They still produce world-class consumer goods. Even more important is the evidence of growing demand inside Japan for the first time in 15 years.”
Edinburgh Evening News
5 August 2004
Quote
How to make an instant million
by Craig Brown
Alan Steel said, "So at the moment, anything to do with wireless technology, nanotechnology or genomics are the big growth areas."
ASAM
2 August 2004
Article
Informing You - August 2004
by Alan Steel
"We still hold our view that stockmarkets are undervalued."
Bloomberg Money
1 August 2004
Quote
The Times
31 July 2004
Article
Looking forward to a long and healthy life
by Xan Rice
Alan Steel is convinced that long-term prospects for the healthcare sector are rosy. He points to the growing ageing population.
e-letter to clients
26 July 2004
Article
Bolton Wonderers
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "On 23 July, Steve Forbes and I were two of a very fortunate small group of people invited to have Breakfast with Anthony Bolton in Edinburgh."
Sunday Telegraph
25 July 2004
Article
Nine out of 10 fund managers are unreliable
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel said, “Fund managers who have either a stake in the business or invest a substantial amount of their own money in the fund have more of an incentive to beat the average.”
The Scotsman
24 July 2004
Article
Inequitable treatment
by Alan Steel
This week’s decision to reopen the parliamentary ombudsman inquiry into Equitable Life will do nothing to end the inequitable treatment of policyholders, says Alan Steel.
e-letter to clients
13 July 2004
Article
Just like that
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Sooner or later some good news will filter in, institutions will buy more stock, and share prices will suddenly catch with earnings and strong economics."
Daily Telegraph
10 July 2004
Article
Second-liners score points on FTSE's premier players
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Adam said, “Trackers were in vogue in the 1990s but we are now in dramatically different times when investment managers will need to work harder to get the right performance.”
ASAM
10 July 2004
Article
Letter from America
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel offers you perspective on what really is going on in world stockmarkets and economics.
Daily Telegraph
10 July 2004
Quote
Financial advice tops agenda for former news producer
by Harriet Meyer
Steven Forbes advises on the investment of a redundancy fund to supplement income.
Bloomberg Money
1 July 2004
Quote
How high will you go?
by Alan Adam
Alan Adam says, “We definitely intend to stay independent."
Financial Advisor
1 July 2004
Article
Past lessons can pay dividends
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Somebody said that the only time to make money is when you are actually out in front of the herd and we all know where the herd is.”
ASAM
1 July 2004
Article
Press Release
22 June 2004
Article
ASAM warns investors who moved homes into trust that they could face new tax bill as Labour Government goes to 'POT'
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel Asset Management (ASAM) is warning consumers who transferred their homes into loved ones names to avoid inheritance tax or limit exposure to care home fees to seek advice.
Daily Mail
21 June 2004
Article
Fears over self-cert loans
by Ruth Sunderland
Alan Steel said, “Frankly, these figures beggar belief. It is dangerous lending.”
The Herald
18 June 2004
Article
Consumers rue financial advice
by Ruaridh Arrow
Alan Steel said, “Evidence supports the view consumers trust well-known financial companies, but don’t understand the difference between being sold something and getting impartial advice."
The Times - City Diary
16 June 2004
Quote
This is a new one
by Alan Steel
Investors are being advised by Alan Steel Asset Management to check the “Rydex ratio” which suggests the stock market is due a hike.
Press Release
8 June 2004
Article
Alan Steel Asset Management says high pessimism ratios suggest increase in world markets of up to 40%
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Successful, long term, investors in any asset display courage and patience and realise it’s always best to invest and hold when the herd is elsewhere."
The Scotsman
5 June 2004
Article
D-Ream on if you think pensions are any simpler
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, “Get your current pensions checked out thoroughly while you can. The new rules come out in April 2006 - don’t wait that long.”
Money Marketing
3 June 2004
Article
Ethical Edge
by David Scott
David Scott said, “When you compare the performance of ethical funds against non-ethical funds, the difference is overwhelming. I know where my money is going.”
Bloomberg Money
1 June 2004
Quote
Future in the balance
by Richard Miles
Graeme Currie says he particularly rates the Constellation offering.
ASAM
1 June 2004
Article
Informing You - June 2004
by Fiona Middlemiss, Technical Services Consultant
Fiona Middlemiss, Technical Services Manager, talks about POT.
Daily Telegraph
25 May 2004
Article
Foolish to think immediate past is guide to future
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, "Always beware of fads. The sure-fire way to lose money when investing is to follow the herd."
The Daily Telegraph
8 May 2004
Quote
How to do the maths on the soaring cost of schools
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Investments badged as school fees plans are not the only way to do it. ISAs provide a flexible, tax efficient box...."
Linlithgow Journal & Gazette
7 May 2004
Article
We help Catriona to secure sponsor aid
by a staff reporter
Alan Steel said "We’re happy to support young up and coming talent"
e-letter to clients
7 May 2004
Article
Stars Wars
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "S&P ratings? Must stand for Sub-Standard and Poor, and that’s putting it politely."
The Scotsman
4 May 2004
Article
Widows failing to match trackers
by Mark Irvine
Alan steel said “Small investors are badly served by the complacent attitudes of the big corporations”
ASAM
3 May 2004
Article
Informing You - May 2004
by Alan Adam, Financial Consultant
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said, "Fundamentels are strong."
Mail on Sunday
2 May 2004
Quote
Chasing compensation
by Richard Dyson
Eventually, Mr Crawford appealed to David Scott for help.
Scottish Business Insider
1 May 2004
Quote
A problem shared
by Alan Steel
One of the stalwarts of the TEC group is Alan Steel, managing director of independent financial advisors, Alan Steel Asset Management.
Bloomberg Money
1 May 2004
Quote
The Advisers Verdict On: Schroders
by Steven Forbes
“Although there are a few people in the industry I am sure Andy Brough will rub up the wrong way, even they cannot argue with his track record,” says Steven Forbes.
The Scotsman
1 May 2004
Article
Alan Steel asks what happened to the 90 per cent Club?
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says "Hang on to your hats"
Leading Figures in Business
1 May 2004
Article
A safe, restful old age? Not with this Bill
by Ian Harper
Few experts have a kind word to say about the new pensions legislation, whether from a company or a staff point of view.
Sunday Times
25 April 2004
Article
Warning to savers as China wobbles
by Alicia Wyllie
Alan Steel said "Putting all your money in at this stage would be risky."
Sunday Times
25 April 2004
Article
Emerging star lost a little of his shine
by Alicia Wyllie
Alan Steel said "If you believe the world economy will continue to grow, emerging markets will do well."
Sunday Times
25 April 2004
Article
Brave investors look to eastern Europe
by David Budworth
Alan Steel likes investment trusts because they are trading on wide discounts and are cheap to buy.
Daily Telegraph
24 April 2004
Article
Recovery funds
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel added that you can do this yourself - but it may be worth paying an expert.
DailyTelegraph
17 April 2004
Quote
Is peace of mind worth the sacrifice? Ask the experts
by Vivienne Starkey
Alan Steel said you need to be ahead of the herd.
Daily Telegraph
17 April 2004
Article
Equitable blocks escape route to annuity holders
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel said, “I think with-profits annuitants should be given the opportunity to get out."
Daily Telegraph
16 April 2004
Article
Equitable's Ranson walks away scot free,
by Nina Montague-Smith
Alan Steel said "Its just appalling.It beggars belief."
Daily Telegraph
11 April 2004
Article
Over 50's shouldn't run scared of equities,
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel refuses to follow blindly the “rule” about reducing equities as you get older. In many circumstances, he turns the rule on its head.
BBC Radio 4
10 April 2004
Quote
Split Capital Investment
by Alan Steel
I am afraid I do not have any faith in the FSA, I will be very surprised if people are compensated and if the wrongdoers are fined or whatever.
e - letter to clients
6 April 2004
Article
Herd it again?
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “We think it's wise to bet on a continued world economic recovery."
Scotland on Sunday
4 April 2004
Article
Standard Life chief should quit
by Andrew Murray-Watson and Terry Murden
Alan Steel said: “I would have thought that if Standard Life wants to be a world-class business then it needs to bring in a world-class individual to run the company."
The Scotsman
1 April 2004
Article
With Profit policyholders should ride out storm
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “With Profit holders should sit tight."
Daily Telegraph
1 April 2004
Article
Standard to give up mutuality in 2006 float
by Nina Montagu-Smith
Alan Steel said: “The Board did not want to demutualise. This was not really up to Standard Life: the FSA has forced it to demutualise. They are looking down the barrel of a gun.”
Bloomberg Money
1 April 2004
Quote
The Advisers' verdict on: UBS
by Graeme Currie
“The US fund is a great core holding,” says Graeme Currie.
ASAM
1 April 2004
Article
Scotsman
27 March 2004
Quote
Paying the full price for terrorist attacks
by Conal Gregory
Alan Steel said terrorism unfortunately is here to stay but it can't stop the remarkable economic progress that started last March.
Daily Telegraph
27 March 2004
Article
Door to tax shelter starts to swing shut
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel said, “If you are cautious, buy an income fund.”
Mail on Sunday
21 March 2004
Article
Join a revolt that can turn the tide
by Richard Dyson
Alan Steel is critical of a culture at Standard Life that has not put policyholders first.
Money Marketing
18 March 2004
Article
Equitable Life Edge
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Why Lord Penrose has ignored the epidemic of mis-selling at Equitable Life during the 1990s is anybody’s guess.”
Sunday Times
14 March 2004
Article
Boost contributions now, experts say
by David Budworth
Colin MacPherson says, “It makes sense to put as much into your pension as you can now. You have just over a year to maximise your pension’s value.”
Sunday Herald
14 March 2004
Article
Who needs a watchdog
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said, “Those of us who understood these products knew they were increasingly unsuited for most borrowers. But many advisers carried on selling them."
The Herald
13 March 2004
Article
Equitable: counting the cost of loyalty
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said “Throughout this country, people were being robbed blind of their life savings."
Daily Telegraph
13 March 2004
Article
Time to decide whether to stay or jump ship
by Nina Montagu-Smith
Alan Steel advised policyholders to negotiate fees carefully with IFAs to avoid being moved to schemes with large hidden commission charges.
The Herald
13 March 2004
Article
Stocks and Shares return to favour
by Andrew Collier
Alan Steel said,“We are now on the brink of explosive economic growth and that offers opportunities which ISAs are ideal for."
The Scotsman
13 March 2004
Article
Penrose ignores orgy of mis-selling
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “You could say the Penrose report is accurate, but it peppers the target without hitting the bulls-eye. Why he ignored the epidemic of mis-selling is anybody’s guess."
The Times
13 March 2004
Quote
How to strike the perfect ISA balance
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says “If you are an adventurous investor, a balanced portfolio should contain a decent amount of overseas funds.”
Daily Telegraph
10 March 2004
Article
FSA rules devastate payout projections
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said, “We are concerned that insurance companies are being forced out of equities at the very time we would argue they should be going into them.”
Radio Scotland
9 March 2004
Quote
Equitable Life
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "I decided as nothing was being done about it, that I should bring it to the public's attention and I wrote an article in April '97 followed up by a national article naming them in May."
Daily Telegraph
6 March 2004
Article
Base metals can be turned into golden chances
by Jenne Mannion
Alan Steel said, “With demand in China growing year by year by at least 20 per cent per annum, it looks increasingly like a global economic boom.”
Daily Telegraph
28 February 2004
Article
The secret is - give managers a free reign
by Edmund Tirbutt
Alan Steel comments on his favourite Special Situations Fund.
The Herald
28 February 2004
Article
The tax-efficient way of saving
by Maggie Stanfield
Alan Steel is convinced that now is the time to invest. “We’re in the beginning of the world’s most spectacular bull market. …”
Sunday Herald
22 February 2004
Article
Standard Life shortfall alert
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said, “This massive share sale will be bad news for policyholders.”
Sunday Herald
22 February 2004
Quote
Watchdog bares its teeth on financial ads ... finally
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Steel warned the regulator about some of the advertising he was seeing from so-called 'pension unlocking firms' about three years ago.
The Scotsman
21 February 2004
Article
Too much monkey business
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel believes that the FSA was not acting in the best interests of policyholders when it forced Standard Life into selling equities from its with-profits fund.
Fianancial Times
21 February 2004
Article
Standard Life starts dealing with new reality
by Andrew Bolger
Alan Steel said, “Such advice would not necessarily cost a lot in fees because the policyholders would all face similar choices.”
Daily Telegraph
14 February 2004
Article
Beware the high-risk intruders
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel said, “If the fund managers believe we are in a new economic growth period and think that stockmarkets will rise, it is understandable they are buying junk bonds, which correlate more closely to equities.
The Scotsman
10 February 2004
Article
RBS pulls out of the Stakeholder pensions market
by Iain Dey
Alan Steel said, “The move to stop selling Stakeholder is quite understandable. Stakeholder was an obsession of the Government. Companies just can’t make money from it.
Scotland on Sunday
8 February 2004
Article
Regulators' gamble far from equitable
by Lesley Campbell
Alan Steel said, “What the Equitable claimed in terms of performance bore no relation to what they actually did.”
Mail on Sunday
8 February 2004
Quote
The Herald
7 February 2004
Article
Brought to book - man whose work drives him bananas
by Karl West
Alan Steel said, “The monkey would be cheaper – and you can’t argue with his track record.”
The Herald
7 February 2004
Article
Halcyon years of Equitable "mostly a myth"
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said Equitable refused to publish its returns so they were not included in any of the regular surveys. “If they were, they would be at the bottom of the heap.”
The Herald
2 February 2004
Article
Heady mix of champagne and tequila
by Douglas Hamilton
Alan Steel said, “I think the American market will reach new highs this year, but I am prepared to take a chance that emerging markets will perform better than the US.”
Daily Telegraph
31 January 2004
Article
Career breaks leave holes in mother's pension pot
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel offers general advice to Ms Coates.
The Herald
31 January 2004
Article
Stampede back into equities
by Francis Shennan
Alan Steel has said we are in a new economic cycle, which is a time to look at growth funds. The secret here is stock picking.
Scotland on Sunday
25 January 2004
Article
Standard Life chief to face MPs' questions
by Terry Murden and Alistair McArthur
Steel believes that Standard Life should have sold equities earlier than it did. “The mistake the company made was in not getting rid of equities at the end of the economic cycle,” he said
Daily Telegraph
24 January 2004
Article
Loophole gives employers way to avoid topping up schemes
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel said, “They were right to add the clause as it is pretty pointless having a law so rigid that it causes businesses to collapse.”
Daily Telegraph
17 January 2004
Article
It could be worth putting your savings in their hands
by Melanie Wright
Alan Steel said, “In 1946 and 1947, there was a massive baby boom and these people are approaching or already in retirement, which means demand for healthcare is likely to surge.”
The Scotsman
17 January 2004
Article
Actions after the event fall below standard
by Lindsay Rogerson
The ramifications of Standard Life’s discussions with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) have clearly left its members and policyholders confused.
Daily Telegraph
17 January 2004
Article
Greenback setback offers the chance of a gamble
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel pointed out that currency funds are not the only unit trusts that can be used to profit from a weak dollar.
Edinburgh Evening News
14 January 2004
Article
178 years on, the feeling’s not quite so mutual any more
by Gareth Mackie
Graeme Currie believes now would not be the right time to float, but the FSA ruling means Standard Life really has to consider this option.
Scotland on Sunday
11 January 2004
Article
Alan Steel's letter dated 23 December 2003 to the Business Editor
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel writes, “As quickly as they can, people should take independent financial advice to ensure their legitimate expectations to benefit are secured no matter what.”
The Scotsman
10 January 2004
Article
Policyholders should not worry about Standard Life
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel said, “Standard Life is a very well-run business which has never done anything like what happened at Equitable Life.”
The Scotsman
10 January 2004
Quote
ISA mix up
by Lindsay Rogerson
Alan Steel said, “My ISA this year is going into a Selestia ISA wrapper."
The Scotsman
8 January 2004
Article
Why £1 million just isn't enough
by Edward Black
Alan Steel said, “I always ask new clients to set themselves goals about what they want to do with their finances in terms of lifestyle and future security.”
The Sunday Times
4 January 2004
Quote
Where the experts will invest in 2004
by Alicia Wyllie
Steel is bullish on the prospects for shares in 2004.
The Daily Telegraph
3 January 2004
Quote
Place your bets as our experts pick their rising stars for the New Year
by Faith Dewey
Alan Steel answers key questions for 2004.
The Daily Telegraph
3 January 2004
Quote
A rich mixture of ideas with plenty to resolve
by Faith Dewey
Keep faith with equities, maximise pension and ISA contributions and stay optimistic. …
2003
The Scotsman
20 December 2003
Article
Daily Telegraph
20 December 2003
Article
Wise men would do well to return to the East
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said there are clear signs the world is in a new economic cycle and emerging markets should be among the beneficiaries.
Daily Telegraph
19 December 2003
Quote
City Diary
by Danielle Rossingh
Alan Steel said, "The FSA is one of my favourite pet hates because they cannot do anything."
BBC Radio Scotland
18 December 2003
Quote
The Scotsman
11 December 2003
Article
What Brown's report really means to us
by Angie Brown
Fiona Middlemiss comments on the new Budget proposals
The Herald
8 December 2003
Article
Chancellor sticks to his guns over pension fund ceiling
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said he believed such retrospective action by the Government was illegal.
Sunday Times
7 December 2003
Article
European shares make a comeback
by Alicia Wyllie
Alan Steel suggests the Artemis fund and also tops DWS European Opportunities, but his favourtie is Jupiter Emerging European Opportunities
Sunday Times
7 December 2003
Article
Fund Watch: Continent's blue chip companies keep scheme in the black
by Alicia Wyllie
Alan Steel said, " Small and medium sized compaines have produced the best returns this year, but larger firms should do better in 2004."
Sunday Telegraph
7 December 2003
Article
How to wreck a pension scheme
by Annie Shaw
Alan Steel admits that he would advise anyone able to do so to seriously consider the benefits of leaving a final salary scheme, whatever its funding situation.
Sunday Times
30 November 2003
Article
Boost your profits by spotting trends
by David Budworth
Alan Steel said, "Research shows that the more 47-year-olds there are in the economy, and the more peole approaching 47, the more successful the market will be."
Mail on Sunday
30 November 2003
Quote
'Unlock a pension' adverts alert
by Richard Dyson
Alan Steel said, "The bulk of people who unlock pensions will be making a very bad decision."
Daily Telegraph
29 November 2003
Article
Soldier seeks some advice on the gentle art of investment
by Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel offers general advice to Mr Carnwath.
The Herald
29 November 2003
Article
Death and taxes - they don't have to go together
by Simon Bain
Fiona Middlemiss says the solution is to set up a trust which becomes the beneficiary of the pension fund, which can pass on the cash to children, but which also nominates the spouse as a discretionary beneficiary.
Sunday Telegraph
16 November 2003
Quote
The impact of Britannic's bomshell
by Annie Shaw
Alan Steel said, "The first we heard of it was in the Press."
BBC Radio Scotland
13 November 2003
Quote
Interest Rates
by Sandy Murray
Alan Steel said, "There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that moving interest rates up or down has any real impact on what people do with their money, whether they borrow it or spend it."
Sunday Times
9 November 2003
Article
Funds to base fees on performance
by Alicia Wyllie
Alan Steel says, "I believe that most fund groups will introduce performance fees in the next 12 months, but they're unlikely to charge them on all their funds."
Money Marketing
6 November 2003
Article
Fund firms bear up under pressure
by Chris Duncan
Alan Adam said, "A couple of major players are now involving us in think-tanks. One ended up changing its fund drastically."
Money Marketing
2 November 2003
Article
On a mission to restore our trust
by Guy Dixon
Alan Steel is wary of John Tiner and feels he is not the right man for the job. "I wonder what a guy like that knows about what's happening at the sharp end. I guess you could write it on the back of a postage stamp."
The Herald
1 November 2003
Article
Major blow for savers who kept endowments
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, "In the long run, people would probably be better getting into a well-managed growth fund."
The Herald
1 November 2003
Article
Huge losses in endowment waiting game
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said many insurers, not including Standard Life, had sold off so many shares that their funds would be unable to produce good long term returns.
The Scotsman
25 October 2003
Article
Leave with-profits funds alone
by Alan Steel
Investors should steer clear of with-profits funds. They are a method of saving best left well alone, according to Alan Steel.
Sunday Herald
19 October 2003
Article
Investors pour into protected funds for safe haven
by Nic Cicutti
Alan Adams says, "With these funds your returns are limited by the capital proctection. It also means that you won't recieve dividend growth, which can be worth 3% of a share's value."
Scotsman
18 October 2003
Quote
Advisers warn to keep an eye on pension detail
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel warns that new personal pension savers should check their policy is written on single premium basis, as this will maximise savings.
Sunday Herald
14 September 2003
Quote
Your Money
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said, "Buy cheap, when no one else is, and sell high, when the herd is piling in."
Sunday Herald
14 September 2003
Article
Place your bets on the mavericks to defy all the pitfalls
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel reckons many experts have got it wrong on the economy.
Daily Telegraph
13 September 2003
Article
Shares emerge blinking into the sun
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, "At the begining of every new cycle, people ask if the rally can continue but cheap money and emerging technologies will drive this one forward."
The Scotsman
12 September 2003
Article
Scotland's top listed firms outshine FTSE
by Bill Jamieson
Alan Steel said, "I always took the view that when this market turned, it would turn round fast. So it has proved."
BBC Radio Scotland
11 September 2003
Quote
Sunday Times
7 September 2003
Article
Ride the recovery with a global scheme
by Alicia Wyllie
Alan Steel suggests investors supplement core funds such as Gartmore European Select Opportunities and UBS US Equity with more specialist funds such as Schroder, Japanese Smaller Companies and Fidelity Asian Values.
The Scotsman
6 September 2003
Article
Will the sun continue to rise in Japan?
by Michelle McDonald
"We believe that equity out-performance form Japan and some other Far East markets coud be the suprise over the next 12-18 months," said Alan Steel.
Sunday Times
31 August 2003
Article
Fund Watch: Enterprise fund stages a recovery
by Alicia Wyllie
Alan Steel comments on the Artemis New Enterprise fund.
Sunday Times
31 August 2003
Article
Tech stocks have powered ahead
by Alicia Wyllie
Alan Steel says, "It may not be fashionable, but long-term investors should have the courage to back technology. We are now at the start of a new economic cycle and prices are low."
Sunday Times
31 August 2003
Article
Elderly go on borrowing spree
by David Budworth
Alan Steel says, "You should never take on debt purely so that you can avoid IHT. It is expensive, dangerous and unnecessary given that there are other, more established ways to avoid an IHT bill."
Scotland on Sunday
24 August 2003
Article
Yet another forecast of finacial disaster
by Lesley Campbell
Alan Steel said, "If an insurance company isn't capable of running an investment business, is it qualified to pick an investment manager?"
The Scotsman
24 August 2003
Article
Equities recover their appeal
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel pointed out that equity investors could have achieved a 40% gain.
The Herald
16 August 2003
Article
Insurers bunker down for the next cataclysm
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel commented, "If people come back on this particlular day and ask for their money, the insurer has to send it to them, although it is a little known fact."
The Scotsman
16 August 2003
Article
Concern over pensions causes a record level of complaints
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel says that as long as benefits have not been taken it is not too late to transfer.
BBC Radio Scotland
15 August 2003
Quote
With Profit Bonds
by Sandy Murray
Alan Steel said, "The problem with with-profit bonds is that, as the market has fallen, their returns have fallen very heavily."
Bloomberg Money
1 August 2003
Quote
The Advisers' verdict on Legal & General
by the editor
David Scott said, "We do not view L&G as an investment house as we find it difficutl to recognise life companies as investment houses."
Bloomberg Money
1 August 2003
Quote
Bloomberg Money's Money
by the editor
Graeme Currie said, "NU is viewed as an insurance company not an investment house."
Sunday Times
27 July 2003
Article
Is it time to get back into the US market?
by Alicia Wyllie
Alan Steel said, "I think America is the most exciting market in the world at the moment."
Daily Telegraph
23 July 2003
Article
Tech funds spread a little sunshine
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel said, "I sold my Credit Suisse Income holding for Amerindo. We are at a different stage of the stock market cycle. Now is the time to be aggressive."
Daily Telegraph
21 July 2003
Quote
New Star puts the cat amongst the pigeons
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel said, "I was a big fan of M&G in the 1970's and 1980's."
Sunday Times
20 July 2003
Article
Profit from the rise of the grey pound
by David Budworth
As the baby boomers - born between 1947 and 1961 - are now at this point in their lives, Alan Steel thinks the stock market is set for a period of growth.
Sunday Times
19 July 2003
Article
No picnic for bears but a bit of patience will pay off
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "Sure you have to be patient to reap the dividends of sticking with quality shares and fund managers. But it will pay off. Demographic factors are still hugely possitive."
ITV Scotland
15 July 2003
Television
Moves to demutualise - Standard Life
by Alan Saunby
Alan Steel said, "I just think it's the wrong time in the cycle to do it. I think the right time would have been, say, 3 years ago."
The Independent
15 July 2003
Quote
Investors wishing on a star
by Sam Dunn
Alan Adam said, "We have always been big believers in star managers' value. They can make a fund."
Sunday Telegraph
13 July 2003
Article
The great equity raid
by Annie Shaw
"Many people are taking on increased levels of debt without a concrete plan to repay it," warns Steve Forbes.
The Scotsman
12 July 2003
Article
A Colourful View of Endowments
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel's advice is to take independent advice and seek flexibility instead of panic surrendering the policies immediately.
BBC Radio 4
12 July 2003
Quote
The Equity Market
by Paul Lewis
Alan Steel said, "The demographics point very firmly to consumer spending rising."
The Scotsman
8 July 2003
Article
Standard Life listing would be a 'waste of time'
by Iain Dey
Alan Steel said that, with the current state of the equity markets, the move was being plotted at the "wrong time in the cycle".
The Scotsman
5 July 2003
Article
Rules mocked by those they are meant to regulate
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "So what is the Financial Services Authority doing about all of this? Not a lot. Neither, of course, are those who are running our financial institutions and insurance companies."
The Edinburgh Evening News
3 July 2003
Article
Where they don't worry about too many chiefs
by Gareth Mackie
Mr Steel says a meeting with the network helped him draw up the strategy behind his firm, which can be summed up in five words, - "knowledge, innovation, integrity, fairness and fun."
The Scotsman
28 June 2003
Article
With the proper guidance and focus, you can turn your money into a work of art
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "Start off with a clean canvas and instead of listening to critics, select a tutor. Re-visit your aims or goals, note them down and think about what the focus should be for you."
Daily Telegraph
28 June 2003
Article
Sunlit returns from shares thanks to the baby boomers
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel believes there is better to come as the population in Britian and America ages.
The Herald
21 June 2003
Article
Secret of riches: buy from the sacred and sell to the greedy
by Iain Morse
Alan Steel said, "The bears have already had a surprise because they didn't expect the main indices to bounce as high as they have."
The Scotsman
14 June 2003
Article
Time to put firms to five-point test
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "Are we being failed by staying out of the Euro?"
The Scotsman
7 June 2003
Article
Life cycles and economy grow together naturally
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "I discovered the amazing correlation between investment sentiment and stockmarket returns, repeated so often it cannot be a coincidence."
Financial Mail on Sunday
1 June 2003
Quote
Ask the Experts
by Abigail Montrose
Alex MacLean gives advice on investment for a reader's grandson.
Bloomberg Money
1 June 2003
Quote
Daily Telegraph
31 May 2003
Article
A policy 'in trust' can save cash
by Annie Shaw
Alan Steel claims that the vast majority of Section 32 policies are not written in Trust.
The Scotsman
31 May 2003
Article
The secret of pensions is in the small print
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "Proper financial advice now makes the future much easier."
BBC Radio Scotland
24 May 2003
Quote
Good Morning Scotland
by Wazim Zakir
In reply to Wazim Zakir, Alan Steel said, "The first thing people should do is sit down with somebody like ourselves and create some goals."
The Scotsman
24 May 2003
Article
What would it take to hear some good news?
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "Even though we will have some bad days now and then I, for one, believe it's time to be buyers and holders rather than sellers."
BBC Moneybox
24 May 2003
Quote
Equitable loses ombudsman cases
by Fiona Middlemiss
Fiona Middlemiss comments on BBC's Moneybox programme noting that these rulings only apply to those who gave up the compromise deal and left before it was voted on.
The Scotsman
17 May 2003
Article
Markets will surprise the pessimists
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "We all forget the simplest things at the most important times."
The Scotsman
10 May 2003
Article
It may be time to take it on the chin and move on
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel advises on what to do if you are left with a With Profits policy.
The Scotsman
3 May 2003
Article
Spring-clean your finances to stand out from the crowd
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "Instead of following the crowds or listening to the experts, why not spring-clean your finances and plant seeds in the new cycle."
Daily Telegraph
3 May 2003
Article
Why yielding to temptation could pay off years later
by Stephen Ellis
Stock market linked bonds on offer today could provide handsome returns. Alan Steel has previously been sceptical about these products but argues the new ones are tempting.
The Scotsman
26 April 2003
Article
Elephants lead the need for greed
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "Leave the pack behind and widen your investment horizons."
The Herald
26 April 2003
Article
Committee of griller tactics
by Simon Bain
McFall has met with industry insiders such as Scottish IFA Alan Steel, who was warning since the mid-1990's that Equitable was a disaster waiting to happen.
The Scotsman
19 April 2003
Article
Don't leave tax planning to chance
by Alan Steel
In real life, chance can cost you dearly. Do not ignore proper Will planning and Inheritance Tax can be substantially reduced or avoided with the use of Trusts.
Daily Telegraph
18 April 2003
Article
Anger as regulator defines mis-selling
by Nina Montagu-Smith
Alan Steel said, "In my view, the way in which the Government has allowed the FSA to apply hindsight rules is probably the primary cause of the fact the public does not trust our industry."
Scotland on Sunday
13 April 2003
Article
New year, same old gloom for ISA
by Andrew Murry-Watson
Alan Steel encourages investors to consider equity-based products, while the market is at its current low level.
Scotland on Sunday
12 April 2003
Article
Time to face up to your retirement responsibility
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "You cannot stick your head in the sand - education has to be taken to ensure the retirement of your dreams."
Money Marketing
10 April 2003
Article
Equitable shows signs of life
by John Stones
Graeme Currie says, "People are fed up with the way Equitable has been dealing with rectification. There are too many broken promises. Can people trust anything it says?"
Money Marketing
10 April 2003
Article
Yielding to FSA on bond fund ad campaign
by Chris Duncan
Alan Adam said, "It is typical of the FSA. It knows bonds have been oversold and is trying to dampen them down. But it is too late. Both yields should always have been given equal space."
Fund Strategy
7 April 2003
Article
On the crest of a spending wave
by Stephen Sheppard
There is still plenty of upside for those who keep faith with equities
Daily Telegraph
5 April 2003
Article
Hopes rise amid share falls
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, "It is not necessarily time to jump in with both feet but it is very encouraging and should give a signal that it is time to have more faith in shares."
The Herald
5 April 2003
Article
Equitable sneaks in another policy cut
by Simon Bain
Colin Macpherson said questionnaires had been designed to disqualify people
The Scotsman
5 April 2003
Article
Baby boomers spend their way into good times
by Alan Steel
We hear a fund is being launched over the next couple of months which will seek to take advantage of those shares favoured by Baby Boom fincancial habits.
Daily Telegraph
5 April 2003
Quote
Fat cat executives pile on the pounds
by Kate Rankin
Colin MacPherson said, "If you have a pension pot of more than £1.4m, you must register it by that date and it can't accrue any further."
The Herald
2 April 2003
Article
Equitable accused of going back on promises
by Simon Bain
Colin MacPherson said that up to 20 clients whose GAR rights had been wiped out had now been told they were not eligible for compensation.
Daily Telegraph
1 April 2003
Article
Equitable scraps compensation scheme
by Tessa Thorniley
Alan Steel, who has been a long term critic of Equitable and the regulatory authorities' failure to intervene, described yesterday's announcement as "a disgrace."
The Herald
29 March 2003
Article
Investors at risk as hefty insurance hikes hit advisers
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel commented, “We have a clean record of 27 years without a single mis-selling complaint, yet our PI insurance has gone from £18,000 to £110,000."
Daily Telegraph
29 March 2003
Article
Retiring with rising returns
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel said, "We all know that it makes sense to think about investment over the long term and people are likely to be retired for 20 or more years."
The Scotsman
22 March 2003
Article
Buy a cycle made for you.... probably
by Alan Steel
Alan Stelel said, "What should you do next? If you don’t like the idea of being in the herd and fancy being ahead of it, then this is a good time to be holding and buying shares."
The Times
22 March 2003
Quote
To buy or not to buy before April 5
by Andrew Michael and Paula Hawkins
alan Adam said, "There is one safetey-first idea that might appeal to married couples who need to use up their ISA allowances."
Daily Telegraph
15 March 2003
Article
Heroics could pay off in a falling market
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, `War is bad news but it does remove uncertainty and history shows shares rise and keep rising afterwards."
BBC Radio Scotland
13 March 2003
Quote
Good Morning Scotland
by Waseem Zakir
Alan Adam said, “I would always think you should be talking about a minimum five years before you should even consider stockmarket investment."
The Herald
8 March 2003
Quote
Brown's stealth tax targets managers and professions
by Simon Bain
Colin MacPherson said, "This is the biggest stealth tax on the well-off that has come in the last four decades, and who is going to lobby against it?"
The Herald
8 March 2003
Quote
Steel yourself for rising stock markets
by a staff reporter
Alan Steel said, "A weak pound has historically been linked to rising stock markets."
Sunday Times
2 March 2003
Article
How can we survive the with-profits bonus crisis?
by David Budworth
Alan Adam says savers will usually be better off staying put if they have been saving over the long term.
The Scotsman
22 February 2003
Article
The best mix all in one place
by Lindsey Rogerson
Alan Steel said, "We are huge fans of distribution funds because the distributuion fund concept with its mix of equities and gilts actually makes huge sense."
Daily Telegraph
22 February 2003
Article
Vesting wards off the chill of retirement
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel said, “There are some exceptional deals being offered at present on pension contributions with no initial charges and annual fees as low as 0.4 per cent."
Bloomberg Money
9 February 2003
Quote
Everyone is talking about Financial Mail LIVE
by Stephen Womack
Alan Steel said, "Fortysomethings will spark a boom."
The Scotsman
8 February 2003
Article
Look at the big picture of with-profits policies
by Lindsey Rogerson
Steve Forbes from Alan Steel Asset Management advised, "There is no doubt that the insurance companies, when markets recover, will bolster their reserves. They will not increase bonuses."
Sunday Times
2 February 2003
Article
How to invest in the stockmarket, but minimise risk
by David Budworth
David Scott says Protected Funds are suitable for cautious investors who would traditionally have invested in With Profits policies
Sunday Telegraph
2 February 2003
Article
Equitable changes mind on compensation
by Liz Dolan
Alan Steel said, "No-one should fill out that questionnaire without seeking the help of an adviser."
Bloomberg Money
1 February 2003
Quote
The Top 100 Funds
by Sarah Gill
Alan Adam said, "The consistency of St James's Place across a number of markets has been impressive while the manager of the Recovery fund has an outstanding track record."
Financial Mail on Sunday
26 January 2003
Quote
Ask the Experts
by Abigail Montrose
Graeme Currie said, "Unit trusts have one price for buying units and another for selling. The difference between the two is called the bid-offer spread."
Sunday Times
26 January 2003
Quote
Student debts of £27,000 - Can you cope?
by Helen Monks
David Scott said, "Don't wait until A-levels - the sooner you start saving the better."
Independent on Sunday
26 January 2003
Article
If you're looking for a way out...
by Simon Hildrey
Alan Steel goes further in his criticism.
The Herald
25 January 2003
Article
Savers may have a window of opportunity
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel is unhappy with the current welter of advice on offer. "I actually think now is the wrong time for people to come out," he said.
The Scotsman
25 January 2003
Article
Scotland's trail in Equitable inquiry
by Kraft Burke
Alan Steel said, "Public confidence will not be restored until someone goes to jail over this. This is what enables people to believe it is less likely to happen again."
Daily Telegraph
25 January 2003
Article
Couple suffer blow after a lifetime of saving
by Pamela Atherton
The Government is always telling people to save for retirement. But what protection are they giving to people who do? David Scott said, `It is not clear how much they are going to get from the scheme.'
Daily Telegraph
25 January 2003
Article
Spectre Stalks the investment landscape again
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, `What does make sense is to buy good quality dividend yielding shares, especially in the United Kingdom at this time when markets are temporarily cheap.'
Financial Mail on Sunday
12 January 2003
Article
Reverse psychology
by Jeff Prestridge
Alan Steel is confident that UK shares are the place to be this year.
Financial Mail on Sunday
12 January 2003
Article
Meet the experts for a wealth of advice.
by Toby Walne
Top financial advisers at the Financial Mail LIVE Fair include Alan Steel.
Daily Telegraph
11 January 2003
Article
Bush's tax cuts point the best way forward
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel says, "The American approach is absolutely the right medicine - but we are heading the opposite way."
The Times
11 January 2003
Quote
Chilling blow for millions of savers
by Richard Miles and Xan Rice
Alan Steel said, "Most investors should avoid the urge to cash in their policies."
2002
Sunday Times
29 December 2002
Article
Best and worst investments of 2002
by David Budworth
Alan Steel says, "Now is the wrong time in the cycle to buy bonds."
Financial Mail
29 December 2002
Quote
Second chance on State saving
by Abigail Montrose
Alex MacLean said, "It is important to remember that benefits cannot be taken until you are aged at least 60."
The Daily Telegraph
28 December 2002
Quote
A time for tight decisions and golden goals
by Nina Montagu-Smith and Harryet Meyer
Alan Steel's personal goals for 2003. "Not to lose faith as a contrarian and not to lose my bottle!"
The Daily Telegraph
28 December 2002
Quote
The end-of-the-year show
by Nina Montagu-Smith and Harriet Meyer
Alan Steel looks into his crystal ball.
The Scotsman
21 December 2002
Quote
Work longer and save harder for retirement
by Alan Steel
It is never too late to derive benefit from reviewing a retirement plan to make it work better on some level – particularly when the Government announces a new initiative.
The Scotsman
21 December 2002
Article
Mixed reaction to flexible annuity plans
by Leslie Kraft Burke
Alan Steel said, `What people want is a retirement fund they can take income from and leave the rest to their family.'
The Scotsman
19 December 2002
Article
Green Paper fails to deliver incentives
by Leslie Kraft Burke
Alan Steel, said, `People discover the complexities of tax planning for pensions at the very end, when they are actually taking their pension. They don`t even think about it until then.'
The Herald
19 December 2002
Article
Pension reform plan disappoints analysts
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, `Unless you come up with compulsion, you are never going to solve the problems because people are not interested.`
Investment Adviser
16 December 2002
Article
The birth rate matters
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel says, `It`s time to be long in equities, not short.`
The Independent
15 December 2002
Article
Should with-profits holders pay the money and run?
by Simon Hildrey
“Investors should seriously think about whether they would better off switching out of with-profits into equity funds,” says Alan Steel.
Financial Mail on Sunday
15 December 2002
Quote
Can my pension be protected?
by Abigail Montrose
Alex MacLean said, "Provident stakeholder pension does not offer a with-profits fund."
Daily Telegraph
14 December 2002
Article
Don`t take pot luck with your retirement plans
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel warns that a close examination of present arrangements is imperative before moving your money.
The Scotsman
14 December 2002
Article
Winners shine out amid third market fall
by Leslie Kraft Burke
Alan Steel recommends recovering with `High quality technology fund Artemis New Enterprise' For the less adventurous, he recommends bank stocks and the Henderson UK Growth Fund.
The Independent on Sunday
1 December 2002
Article
If gilts make you yawn, feast on corporate debt
by Simon Hildrey
Alan Steel says, `If interest rates creep up, the value of corporate bonds will fall. Investors would be better off putting money into Corporate Bonds after a couple of years of stock market growth.'
Daily Telegraph
30 November 2002
Article
Don`t close the door on old-school savings scheme
by Robert Miller
Mr Steel said, `I hear from a number of investment trust managers who are saying that, when the time is right, they will ask shareholders for permission to wind up the trusts.`
The Scotsman
30 November 2002
Article
Tax-free benefits likely to be capped in future
by Leslie Kraft-Burke
Alan Steel said, `People who have bought pensions have a legal right called a legitimate right of expectation.'
The Scotsman
29 November 2002
Article
Human cost of pensions fiasco
by Leslie Kraft-Burke & Frank O`Donnell
Alan Steel said, `I`ve had clients on the phone who are suicidal. For months now, I`ve been telling people to join an orderly queue and not to panic. But now it`s a sinking ship and people should get out.'
The Herald
26 November 2002
Article
Equitable pressure grows as finance director resigns
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, `When a business is in serious trouble and the cash flows are wrong and morale is low, this is what happens.`
Sunday Times
24 November 2002
Article
Nimble investors can still profit
by a staff reporter
Alan Steel recommends investing in Henderson UK Global Growth, Jupiter Undervalued Assets, Jupiter Financial Opportunities and Neptune UK Equity.
Sunday Times
24 November 2002
Article
Fears of delayed Returns as taxman 'faces meltdown'.
by David Budworth
Fiona Middlemiss claims there has been an increase in the amount of errors by the Revenue.
Sunday Telegraph
24 November 2002
Article
Equitable: stampede for the exit
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel said, ‘Equitable is now a sinking ship and people should just get out.’
Financial Mail on Sunday
24 November 2002
Quote
Fee Scheme
by Abigail Montrose
Alan Adam said, "Keep the first few years’ fees for the oldest child in cash, preferably in Cash ISAs."
Daily Telegraph
23 November 2002
Article
News is actually rather encouraging
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, `Customers are led to believe with-profits bonds are more or less deposits but better … but these bonds have big early encashment penalties.'
Daily Telegraph
23 November 2002
Article
'Useless' FSA attacked for its advice on Equitable
by Tessa Thorniley
Alan Steel said, ‘‘What the FSA has said is typically useless. There either is precedent or there is none. Which is it?'
The Herald
21 November 2002
Article
Equitable should wind itself up, say advisers,
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel is advising clients to jump from Equitable`s sinking ship.
Sunday Herald
17 November 2002
Article
Big firm `will fail` warning
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said, `He (FSA official) was being asked about Equitable and why the regulator had failed. He ducked that question but then went on to talk about another major failure being on the horizon.'
Business A M
15 November 2002
Article
Listening to the little man can pay dividends
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, `As a consequence of their demise (IFA`s), consumers would face an even bleaker future, with an ever-increasing array of poorly managed, high-commission and tax-inefficient products.`
The Scotsman
14 November 2002
Article
Standard Life U-turn on equity markets
by Andrew Murray-Watson
Alan Steel said, `They believed in equities and had taken big bets on them. This has come as a surprise.'
Business A M
4 November 2002
Article
No such thing as a free lunch
by Lesley Campbell
`There are double standards here,` says Alan Steel. `I have to disclose to the client exactly how much I`m making yet the funds don`t.`
Bloomberg Money
1 November 2002
Article
Make your company pension work harder
by Ian Harper
If you`re a high earner and a member of some form of Occupational Pension Scheme, then this article and Colin MacPherson`s advice is for you.
Bloomberg Money
1 November 2002
Article
Masters of haughty cuisine
by Richard Miles
Alan Steel Asset Management `is a big fan` of Andrew Green`s Global Asset Management`s UK Diversified Fund.
Bloomberg Money
1 November 2002
Quote
Bloomberg Money's Panel
by Graeme Currie
He has never been outside the top quartile over three, five and ten years,’ says Graeme Currie of Alan Steel Asset Management.
The Herald
30 October 2002
Article
Equitable Life review stalls compensation
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel commented, `My view has always been that up and down the country there was a rampant mis-selling, dictated from above.'
Daily Telegraph
29 October 2002
Article
Unit Trusts take beating as investors run scared
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel says, `It`s great news that private investors are finally running for cover.`
Daily Telegraph
26 October 2002
Article
Equitable bombshell
by Ian Cowie
Sir Michael Hirst rues the day he listened to a scare story about abolition of the tax-free lump sum.
The Daily Telegraph
26 October 2002
Article
Canny accountant can`t account for it
by Ian Cowie
Sir Michael Hirst rues the day he listened to a scare story about abolition of the tax-free lump sum.
The Daily Telegraph
26 October 2002
Article
Spivs line up to make killing on Budget leaks
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said, 'Even intelligent, well-educated professional people can be misled because financial services jargon is so complex and they are embarrassed to say they do not understand.'
The Daily Telegraph
24 October 2002
Article
The disastrous state of pensions
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel writes to the Editor, The Daily Telegraph, about the disastrous state of pensions.
The Daily Telegraph
19 October 2002
Article
There are good reasons for a `Pensions` MOT
by Ian Cowie
Alan Steel said that people who transferred from Company Schemes to Section 32 Plans should `give their pension arrangements an urgent MOT or check-up`.
Business A M
17 October 2002
Article
Brochures `gave off a false sense of security`
by Gavin Stamp
Alan Adam said, `Some of the advertising was clearly misleading,` when asked about Aberdeen Asset Management`s promotion of its split capital unit trusts.
The Sunday Times
13 October 2002
Article
Are pensions worth buying?
by David Budworth
Alan Steel comments on `when you should quit your firm`s scheme`.
Money Marketing
10 October 2002
Quote
Frankenstein Funds
by a staff reporter
David Scott gives his views on how Index Tracker Funds turned into monsters.
Financial Adviser
10 October 2002
Quote
Companies must renew policies to stay afloat
by Tammy Lloyd
Graeme Currie, a director of Alan Steel Asset Management, said, ‘We have gone to several brokers and they all say the same thing.'
The Daily Telegraph
5 October 2002
Article
Stay in the pink with the baby-boomers
by Robert Miller
The over-50s give vim to health investments. Alan Steel admits that his enthusiasm for unit and investment trusts in the healthcare biotech sectors could be seen as contrarian.
Financial Mail on Sunday
29 September 2002
Article
1 billion Dollar laugh that`s on Charlie Chaplin
by Jeff Prestridge
Alan Steel said further stockmarket falls are a distinct possibility.
The Sunday Telegraph
29 September 2002
Article
How to survive the market slump
by Paul Farrow
When it comes to the stockmarket, Steel remains a man of faith.
Financial Mail on Sunday
29 September 2002
Quote
The fears that stalk troubled life giant
by Richard Dyson
David Scott, Financial Consultant, doesn’t support this course.
Financial Mail on Sunday
29 September 2002
Quote
The lost IFA
by Abigail Montrose
Alan Adam's advice was to track down the adviser who suggested the move.
The Scotsman
28 September 2002
Quote
Commercial property offers diversity to balance portfolios
by Leslie Kraft Burke
Alan Steel is wary of commercial property investing, unless the timing of the investment is right.
Daily Telegraph
14 September 2002
Article
Walk on the wild side, with a safety net
by Steve Ellis
Alan Steel said, "If the past three years have taught us anything, it is that investors do not like volatility and want to be able to sleep at night."
The Sunday Times
8 September 2002
Quote
How to profit by bucking the trend
by Kathryn Cooper
Alan Steel says, `It is often best to get in when everybody else is getting out.'
Daily Telegraph
4 September 2002
Article
IFAs seek help as insurance costs soar
by Yvette Essen
Alan Steel said, "If I was in the Sahara Desert, I would pay £10 for a glass of water. We have got a gun at our head."
BBC Radio 4
2 September 2002
Quote
The Herald
10 August 2002
Article
The IFA Crisis, by Simon Bain
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel blames the regulator, now the Financial Services Authority, for the split cap disaster.
Financial Adviser
8 August 2002
Article
PI premiums rise for splits and zeros
by Gabriela Pomeroy
IFAs outraged after premiums treble over the past three months.
Daily Telegraph
5 August 2002
Article
Indemnity threat to IFAs
by Tessa Thorniley
Alan Steel said, "IFAs are taking the fall for the splits crisis, yet the Association of Investment Companies, the Financial Services Authority and fund managers maintained that zeros were a low risk."
Daily Telegraph
3 August 2002
Article
Assurance umbrella leaks
by Stephen Ellis
Alan Steel said, "Advisers should be warning of problems with all unit-linked whole-of-life policies."
Bloomberg Money
1 August 2002
Quote
Bloomberg Money's Panel
by the editor
Graeme Currie said, 'I really do rate Harry Nimmo.'
Financial Adviser
25 July 2002
Article
Who do you think you're kidding, FSA?
by Jeff Prestridge
Alan Steel described the motley crew of politicians and financial professionals currently meddling with the future of the financial services industry as Dad's Army.
Financial Adviser
25 July 2002
Article
Diary of an IFA
by Alan Adam
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, this week tells us about golf, appeasing an Equitable Life policyholder and Jupiter's Tony Nutt.
Business A M
10 July 2002
Article
Government accused of missing the point
by Perry Gourley
Alan Steel believes that the Government, and the Sandler Report, have missed the point.
Bloomberg Money
1 July 2002
Quote
Bloomberg Money's Panel
by the editor
Graeme Currie, Director, has pared back his list because he feels Threadneedle lacks strength in areas where the rather flat UK market is showing some signs of life.
Financial Mail on Sunday
23 June 2002
Quote
The Scotsman
15 June 2002
Quote
Follow that star or stay put: the fund dilemma
by Leslie Kraft Burke
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said, "We would tend to follow a manager we know and trust."
Bloomberg Money
1 June 2002
Quote
Bloomberg Money's Panel
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel of Alan Steel Asset Management sums up the feeling well, ‘There are too many uncertainties to recommend new clients to ABN Amro,’ he says.
Financial Mail on Sunday
5 May 2002
Quote
Financial Mail on Sunday
28 April 2002
Quote
Ask the Experts
by Abigail Montrose
Alex Maclean, Financial Consultant, advises on money to be kept on deposit.
The Herald
27 April 2002
Article
Banks rebel against new advice plans
by Simon Bain
Graeme Currie said, "Commission levels were bound to increase under multi-tieing."
Business A M
19 April 2002
Article
Double standards pay dividends for mega-rich
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Fill your boots with the tax-free investment plans there are, especially Off Shore Investment Bonds which he will never get his greedy hands on.”
The Herald
16 April 2002
Quote
Equitable Life launches legal action against Ernst & Young
by Mark Williamson
Steven Forbes said, `This confirms our view members could be looking at a bottomless pit.`
The Sunday Times
14 April 2002
Quote
How to make the most of your savings
by Nick Gardner
Many experts believe the only way to make substantial returns is to invest in the stockmarket.
Money Marketing
11 April 2002
Quote
Chain Reaction
by the editor
Alan Adam said, "Performance related charges are definitely a thing of the future."
Business A M
10 April 2002
Quote
Those tempted to follow star fund managers should study form guide
by the editor
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said, 'Unless he sets up a very small boutique outfit, we would tend to follow a manager we know and trust.'
Bloomberg Money
1 April 2002
Quote
The Advisers` verdict on LIONTRUST
by the editor
Graeme Currie, Director, comments on Liontrust.
Business A M
29 March 2002
Quote
Independent financial advisers give us their tips for last-minute equity purchases
by the editor
Steven Forbes said, "The two last-minute ISA funds I would recommend are Credit Suisse Income and the New Star UK Aggressive Fund."
The Herald
23 March 2002
Quote
Prudential rolls in to clean up with-profit provision
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, "With Profit performance has been seriously massaged by the fact that early leavers have been severly penalised in the past."
Business A M
22 March 2002
Article
Forget the painful present and plan for your future
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, “Now is the time to think about equities and cutting those tax bills.”
Business A M
15 March 2002
Article
A workable scheme goes down the drain
by Alan Steel
As more companies wind up their final salary pensions, Alan Steel considers the background that made the scramble to get out inevitable.
Financial Adviser
7 March 2002
Article
Halifax Equitable`s numbers game is up
by Jeff Prestridge
The whole Bank of Scotland Investment Service, Halifax Equitable, Halifax Life set-up is as confusing as a Rubik's Cube. Alan Steel is appalled by it all.
Bloomberg Money
1 March 2002
Quote
Bloomberg Money's Panel
by Richard Miles
`Over the past five years, Anthony has produced 14.8% a year growth and, over 10 years, 18.1%,` says Graeme Currie of Alan Steel Asset Management.
Financial Adviser
21 February 2002
Quote
IFA Favourites - Fund Managers
by the editor
Mr Adam said, "Philip Gibbs has a very analytical mind and great systems to manage risk..."
The Sunday Herald
17 February 2002
Quote
ISA Report
by Theresa Hunter
Investing in ISAs is not as precarious as it seems.
Business A M
15 February 2002
Article
Tie the knot - you know it 's good financial sense
by Alan Steel
Couples who prefer to stay unmarried are at a disadvantage when it comes to tax exposure.
Scottish Business Insider, Personal Finance
1 February 2002
Quote
Money Marketing
10 January 2002
Quote
Season Tickets
by the editor
Alan Adam said, "Splits have certainly been oversold by advisers, probably more than mis-sold."
The Sunday Telegraph
6 January 2002
Quote
Get Your Finances Into Shape
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel, Managing Director, Alan Steel Asset Management
2001
The Herald
29 December 2001
Article
Secret pay-outs for Equitable few
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel, who was gagged by Equitable`s former lawyers for daring to criticise them four years ago, said, "The bulk of Equitable clients are just ordinary people trying to put their money together for retirement."
Sunday Times
23 December 2001
Article
All Equitable policyholders want for Christmas
by Mark McSherry
Alan Steel now represents many Equitable Life customers and believes the Government should pay them compensation.
The Independent
22 December 2001
Quote
What The Advisers Are Wishing For
by William Kay
Alan Steel said, "It's long, long overdue for the Government to stand up and say, 'It's our responsibility and we got it wrong.'"
Business AM
21 December 2001
Article
A PET is for life, not just for Christmas
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel points out that trusts are not just for the super wealthy any more. They are very common add-ons to many insurance policies and pension plans.
The Times
15 December 2001
Article
Civil Servants close to Equitable deal
by Helen Nugent
Alan Steel said, "Where is the level playing field that Equitable promised its customers?"
The Herald
8 December 2001
Article
Equitable: the last gasp
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, `We have been contacted by 200 people. When they write to Equitable Life, they are not getting replies.'
The Sunday Telegraph
6 December 2001
Article
Equitable`s policyholders on the horns of a dilemma
by Liz Dolan
Alan Steel says, `I can`t believe that, as soon as the result of the vote is known, they won`t slap on a massive extra penalty. They won`t let the GARs get out with the additional 17.5%. They just can't afford to.'
The Herald
4 December 2001
Quote
The Sunday Telegraph
2 December 2001
Article
IHT trust ploys can backfire
by Paul Farrow
Fiona Middlemiss said, "Problems had come to light while reviewing clients with Equitable Life policies."
The Herald
1 December 2001
Article
Civil Service jumps Equitable Life ship
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, "We can't recommend they accept it because some of these people are coming up to retirement."
Business AM
30 November 2001
Article
Planning for the future: what the FSA doesn`t tell you
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel delivers an antidote to some very unsatisfactory advice for investors.
Financial Mail on Sunday
25 November 2001
Quote
The Independent
17 November 2001
Quote
Make The Most Of Your Cash
by Alan Steel
Interest rates are falling and the stock market is uncertain. William Kay studies the financial escape routes.
The Sunday Telegraph
11 November 2001
Article
Is it too late to cash in on equity income investments
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel said, "It worries me slightly that people have missed out."
The Herald
5 November 2001
Article
Pension funds crisis looms
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, "I believe the market is grossly under-valued."
www.moneymarketing.co.uk
1 November 2001
Quote
Isis Goes Ahead With Zero Fund Despite Volatility
by Alan Adam
Alan Adam, Financial Consultant, said Zeros have got a good story to tell right now.
The Sunday Times
28 October 2001
Article
Equitable singled out in `new mis-selling scandal`
by Nick Gardner
Alan Steel said that it was common practice in 1997 for salesmen to scare investors into buying drawdown schemes.
Business AM
26 October 2001
Article
Investing your trust could damage your wealth
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "The UK financial services industry is not as well policed as we would like to believe."
Busines AM
19 October 2001
Article
Don`t let the fog of war cloud your judgement
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "Don`t let the fog of war cloud your judgement. Terrorism and market turmoil are no excuse for neglecting the future."
The Herald
18 October 2001
Article
FSA has serious flaws
by Mark Williamson
Steven Forbes said, "Based on yesterday's report which included no admission of blame, policyholders would be unlikely to have grounds to claim compenation from regulators."
Financial Adviser
18 October 2001
Quote
Paperclips
1 October 2001
Article
Never mind, sex still drives the economy
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel stands back and looks for sense and reason.
British European Flying Colours
1 October 2001
Article
Stakeholder Pensions
by Faith Glasgow
Alan Steel pointed out it is a valuable means of family tax planning.
FT Money
22 September 2001
Quote
Risky Investments Gain Appeal In An Overcast Climate
by Pauline Skypala
Alan Steel said, "If you are very careful, fully understand the risk and they fit in with your tax planning, some of these bonds can be useful."
FT Money
22 September 2001
Article
Now Equitable members must decide
by Robert Budden
The first tentative steps to restore financial stability to Equitable Life`s beleaguered £23bn with-profits fund have begun.
Financial Adviser
20 September 2001
Article
Bet on Bill Mott, the fiery old fox
by Holly Thomas
Alan Steel said, "I rate Bill Mott as one of the top pickers in the country."
Financial Mail on Sunday,
16 September 2001
Quote
After Armageddon Keep Your Nerve And Stick To Your Strategy, Say The Experts As American Markets Prepare To Reopen
by Jeff Prestridge
Alan Steel says investors should seek reassurance by looking back at how the stockmarket reacted in the Gulf War.
The Sunday Telegraph
16 September 2001
Quote
UK Investors Urged To Hold Their Nerve
by Liz Dolan
Alan Steel said, "I suspect the mood at the moment is somewhat similar to that before the Gulf War. But the markets recovered fairly quickly then and I think you'll find they'll do the same this time."
Financial Times
10 September 2001
Quote
Equitable Unwilling To Release Withdrawal Details
by Robert Budden and Andrew Bolger
Alan Steel said, "I don't understand how anyone is getting any money out at the moment as we've been waiting over a month for several clients."
The Sunday Telegraph
9 September 2001
Quote
Should You Junk High-Yield Bonds?
by Paul Farrow
Alan Steel reckons investors are better off in equity income funds.
BBC Radio Scotland
22 August 2001
Quote
Equitable Life
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel tells of the time he was threatened with legal action by Equitable Life when he spoke out about their consistent under-performance.
Sunday Telegraph
19 August 2001
Article
Whitehall finally wakes up to the Equitable alarm call
by Liz Dolan
Alan Steel, who has been criticising Equitable for years, reckons he has come up with another potential mis-selling scandal.
Sunday Herald
19 August 2001
Article
Scottish Amicable ends up-front commission to IFAs
by Mark McSherry
Alan Steel says that this is one of the most sensible things the Pru has done for years.
Business AM
17 August 2001
Article
Preventative measures can make marriage break-up easier
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel concludes his four-part series on the financial consequences of divorce and looks at how to avoid them
Financial Mail on Sunday
12 August 2001
Article
The dark past is catching up with Equitable
by Jeff Prestridge
In 1997, Alan Steel said that income drawdown plans, such as Equitable`s `could be the next pensions scandal.`
Financial Mail on Sunday
12 August 2001
Quote
Business AM
10 August 2001
Article
Forget Relate, to save a marriage, try an accountant
by Alan Steel
In his third article on divorce Alan Steel says its no wonder so many people refuse to tie the knot again.
Sunday Telegraph
5 August 2001
Article
Put greedy advisers out of commission
by Emma Simon
As two inquiries target the finance sharks, Emma Simon asks: just how much are you paying for your investments?
Business AM
3 August 2001
Article
Split decision can upset long-term plans
by Alan Steel
In the second of a four-part series, Alan Steel looks at pensions on divorce.
Quicksilver Magazine
1 August 2001
Quote
Moneypanel
by the editor
Alan Steel replies to a reader's query regarding conversion to an annuity with Equitable Life.
Radio 4 Today Programme
30 July 2001
Quote
The Way The Insurance Industry Sells
by a radio presenter
Alan Steel says the Government are creating confusion. They have brought in 160 pension laws since 1965.
Sunday Herald
29 July 2001
Quote
Equitable's Investors Need To See Justice Done
by Teresa Hunter
Alan Steel said that one of the directors of a company he deals with, who has every single penny invested with Equitable, is close to cracking up.
Sunday Herald
29 July 2001
Quote
Your Money: How The Mighty Have Fallen
by a staff reporter
Alan Steel said, "The ones I have seen weren't properly advised at all."
Sunday Herald
29 July 2001
Quote
Equitable Crisis To Deepen As Panicked Investors Flee Fund
by a staff reporter
Alan Steel said, "There is no doubt about it. There is a run on the fund. Equitable is now headed for meltdown."
The Sunday Telegraph
29 July 2001
Quote
Pensioners Face Shock Annuity Rates Slump
by Liz Dolan
Alan Steel, "We wrote to Equitable advising them of mis-selling and demanding a full refund. He got his money. We urge anyone who suspects they may have been mis-sold a policy to do the same thing."
Mail on Sunday
29 July 2001
Article
European getaway could be just the tonic
by Jeff Prestridge
Alan Steel is encouraging clients to spread their investment portfolios to Europe.
Financial Times
28 July 2001
Article
Drawdown attractions fading
by Robert Budden
Alan Steel said, “I am getting much of the advice given to my Equitable clients by their sales people reviewed.”
The Herald
28 July 2001
Article
Ride the next Baby Boom
by Alan Steel
Alan Steel said, "Perhaps you should jump off a sinking ship, transfer your funds into collective equtiies and ride the next baby boom."
Financial Times - Weekend
28 July 2001
Quote
Equitable Clients Urged To Get Redress Over Advice
by Robert Budden and Andrew Bolger
Alan Steel said he has already secured full redress for one client and said he was now stepping up complaints for most of his Equitable Life clients.
The Herald
28 July 2001
Quote
Equitable: What You Can Do Now
by Simon Bain
Alan Steel said, "The response is one of enormous anger."